It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
