Just 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
