A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
