Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
