Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
