Just eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit 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 at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
