A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
