A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause 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 far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
