Just eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
