Just 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
