A mere two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
