A mere 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
