Just two months ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
