Just eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source 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, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
