It was two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
