Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether 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 sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
