A mere 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
