A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa'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, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
