Just eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
