Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
