A mere two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
