It was two months prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
