It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
