A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
