It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
