Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“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 decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
