It was 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
