Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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 had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
