It was 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
