It was two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
