Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
