A mere two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
