A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source 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.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
