Just eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
