Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought 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 title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
