A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
