Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
