Just two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
