It was two months ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
