It was two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed 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’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
