Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
