It was 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
