It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign 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.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
