Just 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
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