Just 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
