It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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 opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
