Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts 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 games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
