It was two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause 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 sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
