A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“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 touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average 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 top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
