It was two months ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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 opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
