It was two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
