Just two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
