Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
