A mere two months ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
