It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of 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 manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
