A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
