It was two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
