It was eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
