A mere 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
