A mere two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
