Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
