It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason 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, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
