Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
