Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.