A mere two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
