A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
