A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
