Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
