Just two months prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
