It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
