A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough question to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
