It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
