Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.
As per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
