Just two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the player he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
