It was 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
