It was 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
