Just two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
