It was 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
