Just eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky 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
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
