It was eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
