Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
