It was two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa 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 might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
