It was 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
