It was eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
