A mere 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
