A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
