Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa'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 entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
