A mere two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“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 touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
