It was 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
