A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator 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.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins 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 star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
