Just two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title 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. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
