A mere 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
