It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
