A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
