A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
