It was two months prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
