It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
