It was two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version 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 a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
