It was 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
