A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
