It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
