A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
