A mere two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for 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, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
