Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
