Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however 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 star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
