It was two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
