Just two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however 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 rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.