A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
