Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.
Per the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
