Just two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because 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. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
