A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
