Just 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
