It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
