A mere two months prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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 opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
