It was eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
