Just eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
