It was 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“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 was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
