Just two months ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
