A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
