A mere 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
