A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
