It was 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
