Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
