It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
Marlon Vance is a seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting markets, specializing in data-driven predictions and strategy development.
