Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
