A mere 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team'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 touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
