A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
