Just 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
