Just two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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 more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
