It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
