It was two months prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
