A mere two months prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
