A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason 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 manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
