Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
