Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
