A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
