Just two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
