Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
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 rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
