A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
