A mere 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
