Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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 registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
