It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
