Just 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
