It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
