It was eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
