A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the player he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
