A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side'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 sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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 opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
