It was eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
