Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
