Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
