A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team'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, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
