It was two months prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause 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 manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
