Just 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source 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 Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
