It was two months prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but right now the margins 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 a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
