A mere 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source for 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, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
