Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign 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, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
