Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
