Just two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
