Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason 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 much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
