Just 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
