A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
