Just two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“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 manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
