A mere eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.
According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
