A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
