Just 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts 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 games.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
