A mere two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
