Just two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause 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 proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
