Just two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
