Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
