A mere two months prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.
“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 proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
