Aston Villa Extend Winning Run to 11 with Victory Over Chelsea, Intensifying Title Race
Aston Villa entered their Premier League clash with Chelsea on the back of a remarkable 10-game winning streak, aiming to match a record last achieved between 1897 and 1914.
In a tightly contested match, Ollie Watkins scored twice for Villa, first equalising and then heading home a winner after an initial shot struck the post. This victory extended Villa's winning run to 11 consecutive Premier League games, keeping them firmly in the title race behind Arsenal.
Despite Chelsea producing an expected goals (xG) of 2.1 compared to Villa's 1.4, the momentum shifted following manager Unai Emery's tactical changes around the 60-minute mark. Emery's triple substitution—bringing on Watkins for Malen, Onana for Buendía, and Sancho for McGinn—revitalised Villa's attack and allowed Morgan Rogers to operate with greater freedom.
After these substitutions, Chelsea registered 10 shots to none, but it was Villa who created 11 chances to Chelsea's four and dominated the late stages of the game.
Villa have demonstrated resilience this season, securing 54 points from losing positions over three seasons, including 18 points this season alone. They have netted nine goals from substitutes this season, with Morgan Rogers notably contributing vital late goals—scoring twice each in matches against Leeds, West Ham, and Manchester United.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca struggled to adjust during the match as the tide turned against his team; he is generally seen as more effective with time to prepare rather than reacting during games.
Looking ahead, Villa face a pivotal trip to Arsenal on Tuesday. A victory would see them extend their winning run to 12 games and substantially bolster their championship credentials, while also challenging Arsenal, who have similarly experienced a series of narrow single-goal wins. This upcoming match promises to be a significant test for both title contenders.
