A mere 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team'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 much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but 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 an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful 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.
