It was eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. 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 a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
