Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side'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 manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
