Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“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 was decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
