It was two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
