A mere two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays 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.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
