It was two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
