Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
