Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
