It was 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
