A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
