It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
