Just 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
