A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign 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, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
