Just 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
