It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
