Just two months prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
