A mere two months ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator 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.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
