Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.
Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
