It was 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause 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, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
