Just two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second 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, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
