Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
