Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
