Just two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
