It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
