Just two months prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
