A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
