It was two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
