A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
