A mere two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side'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 manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
