It was two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
