Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
