It was two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
