Just two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“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 entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
