It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
