It was two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
