Just two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause 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, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
