Just 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for 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, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
