Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post 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 pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, 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.
