It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
