A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
