A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
