Just eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
