It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
