A mere two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
