It was 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
