Just 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
