It was two months prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
