Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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 opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
