It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team'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, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents 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 have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
