Just two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins 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 talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
