Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
