Just two months ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
