It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
