It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
