A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
