It was eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team'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, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
