Just two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
