A mere two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
