It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
