A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
