A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
