A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
