Just two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
