A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
