A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, 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 in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
