A mere two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
