Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
