A mere two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
