It was two months ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“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 was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
