It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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 opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
