A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
