A mere two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
