A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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 opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
