It was 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for 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 manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
