It was eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
