A mere two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa'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 manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading 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 faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
