Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
