Chelsea had Aston Villa right where they wanted them, but Unai Emery’s adjustments and brilliance from Ollie Watkins led the visitors to a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. This result validates that Villa is a Premier League title contender, especially after not securing their first league victory of the season until late September against Fulham. They have since been on a roll, achieving 13 consecutive wins in all competitions, defying expectations even in this match.
Chelsea managed a mere three shots on goal but generated an expected goals total of 2.14, thanks to Joao Pedro’s score in the first half. The arrival of Watkins, Jadon Sancho, and Amadou Onana in the second half turned the tide for Villa, who outshot Chelsea 11-4 and had an xG of 1.40 to Chelsea’s 0.16. An expert strategist, Unai Emery has skillfully guided his team to victories against significant rivals like Arsenal and Manchester City, putting them just three points shy of the Gunners as they head into the new year.
The upcoming match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on December 30 could position Villa at the top of the league if they secure a win. Despite being perceived as an underdog, Aston Villa has shown resilience after not having won the league since 1981 prior to the Premier League’s inception. With a solid defense allowing only 19 goals in 18 played matches, and having recently scored four while conceding two, Villa’s aspirations for the title are becoming more serious.
However, Emery emphasizes that their focus should remain on qualifying for Europe rather than solely targeting the Premier League title. “I feel we are competing for Europe, not just in contention with Man City and Arsenal. We need to be consistent over 38 matches against the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United.”
While he maintains a humble approach, Villa’s impeccable form positions them as frontrunners for a coveted European spot, laying a strong footing for a potential extension of their successes through the January transfer window.
