Just two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
