It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
