Just 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“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 decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
