A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa'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 much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
