Just eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
