🔗 Share this article The Villans Defy All Logic Once More as Victorious Streak Rolls On at Stamford Bridge This surely should not go on. The logic defies sense that it persists. Yet, persist it does. A Historic Victory Defying Expectations The Claret and Blue army arrived at Saturday's top-flight clash at Chelsea looking to equal a historic record of eleven consecutive wins, a feat last achieved in 1897 and 1914. For much of the match, achieving it seemed improbable, as the hosts dominated proceedings, secured the lead, and could have added several more. However, Chelsea have shown vulnerability when ahead, particularly at home, while Villa now possess a remarkable habit of securing away victories after falling behind. First, the striker leveled the scores, the ball ricocheting in off his leg and the post following his initial shot was saved by Robert Sánchez. Later on, he secured the decisive goal with a precise header. These were just his fourth and fifth league goals of the campaign. Watkins might believe a bit of luck was due, and there's no question the first goal had a large slice of luck. Currently, though, Lady Luck seems to be favoring Villa. The Statistics Behind an Implausible Streak The last nine of these 11 straight wins have been by a solitary goal. They have kept a shutout 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 away Premier League victories have all come from behind. This pattern should not, yet pundits have been saying that for some time, and Villa continue winning. The central question is whether their results will eventually match their displays or if their level of play can improve to match the points haul. This should not be sustainable, but everyone has been stating that for weeks and Villa continue winning. A Core Trait: Belief Fighting back is not just a trait of this season. Over the past three seasons, no side has gained more points from losing positions than Villa's fifty-four; Eighteen of those were secured this term, fifty percent more than the second-placed team, Sunderland. This season, Villa players from the bench have contributed 9 goals. Two important observations can be made about Villa under Unai Emery. Firstly, they possess a profound self-belief that means no game ever feels beyond them. This is, to an extent, a virtuous cycle: the more they achieve comebacks, the more they are convinced they can do it again. Second, Emery has proven exceptionally skilled at influencing games with his substitutions. A Masterful Change While Chelsea had the better of the expected goals 2.1-1.4, Villa were dominant from the moment, around the hour mark, when Emery made a triple change. Watkins came on for Donyell Malen, who had struggled with limited service. Suddenly, the ball began to stick, and Watkins's movement behind the defensive line caused problems. Amadou Onana and Jadon Sancho also came on, strengthening the center and adding the flank presence they had eschewed earlier. Chelsea had 10 shots to Villa's zero before the changes; afterwards, Villa had 11 chances to Chelsea's four. By the end, Villa were in control and could have won by a greater margin. Not for the first time, Chelsea boss Maresca seemed unable to react as the game turned against him; the impression remains that he is more proficient at implementing a tactical plan with time to prepare than adapting on the fly. Moment of Magic Villa have also developed a welcome habit of individuals producing moments of match-winning quality to turn games. Rogers has been decisive at Leeds, West Ham, and against Manchester United. The sight of him working the ball onto his right foot and whipping a finish home has become a recurring leitmotif. It was the winger who changed the game from the bench at Leeds. Watkins changed the game at Stamford Bridge. The contributions of players such as Ezri Konsa and Viktor Lindelof on Saturday were also vital. At present, it's not always the entire team playing brilliantly, but sufficient individuals within it delivering to secure the victories. The Road Ahead Will they be able to keep going? They now sit three points behind the league leaders, and as the season nears its midway point, they must be viewed as part of the championship conversation, certainly more so than teams like Chelsea or defending champions Liverpool. The upcoming away fixture at Arsenal will be a major test of that status. Villa defeated Arsenal on the first weekend of December, a match in which they not only had better the xG but posted an xG 40% higher than any other side has managed against Arsenal in the league this term. Arsenal have since put together their own run of single-goal victories, winning 3 in a row without ever being entirely convincing. Tuesday will be a test for both sides – and if Villa win a twelfth game in a row, it would become increasingly difficult to dismiss their championship pedigree.