It was eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
