A mere 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
