Just eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
