It was two months prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
