A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side'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 was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
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. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
