A mere 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
