A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
