A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
