Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
