Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
