Just two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
