A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
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 now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
