A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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 registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
