Just two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
