Just eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
