It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
