It was two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
