It was 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
