Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
