Just eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
