A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
