Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team'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 manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
