It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
