A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
