It was 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
