It was eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
