A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely 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 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 managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
