It was two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
