Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
