A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
