Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
