Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
