A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
