Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
