Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
