A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
