A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa'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 proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
