Just eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
