The Villans Defy All Gravity Once More as Winning Streak Continues at Chelsea

It simply cannot continue. The logic defies rational sense that it persists. And yet, it does.

A Historic Triumph Defying Expectations

The Claret and Blue army arrived at the weekend's Premier League clash at Chelsea aiming for a historic record of 11 consecutive wins, a feat last achieved in the distant past. For much of the match, this feat seemed improbable, as the hosts controlled proceedings, secured the lead, and might have added to their advantage. But, Chelsea are vulnerability with a lead, especially at home, while Villa have cultivated a baffling knack of snatching wins on the road from losing positions.

First, Ollie Watkins equalised, the ball ricocheting in off his shin and the post following his initial shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Subsequently, he nodded in the decisive goal with a precise header. This marked just his fourth and fifth league goals of the season. The forward might believe a bit of luck was due, and there's no question the first goal had a significant element of luck. Currently, however, Lady Luck seems to be smiling on Villa.

The Statistics Behind an Implausible Run

The last nine of these eleven straight wins have been by a solitary goal. They have managed a clean sheet in just one of those games. Their underlying metrics have been better in just six of those fixtures, and in two of those, the advantage was minimal. Their last five road Premier League victories have all come after conceding first. This formula should not, but pundits have been claiming that for some time, and Villa keep on winning. The central question is whether their results will finally align with their displays or if their level of play can improve to justify the results.

This should not be possible, but everybody's been stating that for weeks and Villa keep on winning.

A Defining Characteristic: Resilience

Coming from behind is not merely a trait of this season. Over the past three seasons, no side has won more points from losing positions than Villa's 54; Eighteen of those have been secured this season, fifty percent more than the next best team, Sunderland. This season, Villa players from the bench have contributed nine goals. Two key points can be made about Villa under Unai Emery.

• First, they possess a deep-rooted confidence that means no game ever feels insurmountable. This is, in part, self-perpetuating: the more they come from behind, the more they are convinced they can do it again.
• Second, Emery has proven very skilled at influencing games through his substitutions.

A Masterful Change

While Chelsea had the better of the expected goals 2.1 to 1.4, Villa were dominant from the moment, around the hour mark, when Emery made a triple change. Watkins replaced Donyell Malen, who had found it difficult with limited service. Immediately, the ball was held up better, and Watkins's movement behind the defensive line caused problems. Amadou Onana and Jadon Sancho also entered, bolstering the center and adding the flank presence they had eschewed earlier.

The Blues registered ten attempts to Villa's none before the changes; following them, Villa created eleven opportunities to Chelsea's four. By the end, Villa were in control and could have won by a greater margin. Not for the first time, opposing manager Enzo Maresca seemed unable to react as the game slipped away; the impression remains that he is better at devising a tactical plan with time to prepare than adapting in the moment.

Moment of Magic

Villa have cultivated a welcome habit of individuals producing moments of sensational quality to alter games. Morgan Rogers has been decisive at Leeds, West Ham, and against Manchester United. The sight of him working the ball onto his favored foot and curling a finish home has become a seasonal leitmotif. It was Malen who transformed the game from the bench at Leeds. The striker swung the game at Stamford Bridge. The performances of players such as Konsa and Lindelof on Saturday were also vital. At present, it's not always the whole side playing flawlessly, but sufficient individuals within it stepping up to earn the victories.

What Comes Next?

Can they maintain this run? They now sit three points behind the league leaders, and as the season nears its halfway stage, they must be considered as part of the championship conversation, certainly more so than teams like Chelsea or defending champions Liverpool. Tuesday's away game at Arsenal will be a major examination of that claim. Villa defeated Arsenal on the first weekend of December, a match in which they not only won the xG but registered an xG forty percent higher than any other side has achieved against Arsenal in the league this term.

The Gunners have assembled their own run of narrow victories, winning 3 in a row without ever being wholly convincing. Tuesday will be a challenge for both teams – and if Villa secure a 12th game in a row, it would become increasingly difficult to deny their title credentials.