A mere eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
