A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
