A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
