Just 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts 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 matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
