A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.