Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
