A mere two months prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source of the team'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 touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
