A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
