A mere two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
