It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
