Just eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
