Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom 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.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the potential 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 Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
