It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
