A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
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 might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
