Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could 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.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
