It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
