A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit 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 an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
