Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
