A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
