A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
