It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
