A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom 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 sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
