Just eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version 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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
