Just two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
