It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts 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 matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
