Just two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots 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, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
