A mere two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
