Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
