It was two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
