Just two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
