Just 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
