A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
