A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
