Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
