A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign 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.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet 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 and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
