Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games 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 in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
