A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause of 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than 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 adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
