A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
