Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
