It was two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
