It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
