Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason 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, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
