Aston Villa ended their five-game winless run in the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea at Villa Park. Marco Asensio’s brace, assisted by Marcus Rashford, secured three crucial points against a direct rival for European qualification, reigniting Villa’s push for the top four.
Villa’s ability to come from behind has been a defining feature of their season, with Unai Emery’s side now winning more points (18) from losing positions than any other team in the league. The Villa boss was full of praisefor his players and the atmosphere inside Villa Park, describing the victory as a turning point after a string of frustrating draws.
Emery on Breaking the Draw Run
Having drawn their previous three league home games against Ipswich, West Ham, and Liverpool, Villa were under pressure to deliver. Emery acknowledged that recent performances had needed more and praised the team for finding a way to win against Chelsea.
“It was fantastic for the supporters in Villa Park,” Emery said. “In the last two matches and even before against West Ham, we were drawing. Drawing against Ipswich, drawing against West Ham, drawing against Liverpool, and more or less deserving more.”
Despite a slow start, where Enzo Fernández gave Chelsea the lead inside nine minutes, Villa gradually grew into the game. Emery was particularly impressed with how his team responded after a poor opening spell, where Chelsea broke through their press too easily.
“Chelsea was a very good test today. We started very badly, not controlling the game, conceding one goal. We started not getting our duels, not getting our game plan, pressing them because they were breaking our press.”
Asensio, Rashford, and Malen Step Up
Villa’s January signings are already proving influential, and Emery singled out Marco Asensio, Marcus Rashford, and Donyell Malen for their contributions.
“Marco, Marcus, and Malen helped us a lot. This is the way we will need,” Emery stated, underlining their importance to Villa’s attacking structure as they head into a crucial run of fixtures in the league, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Asensio’s goals turned the game on its head, with his second goal in the 89th minute sending Villa Park into raptures. The connection between Rashford and Asensio will be one to watch moving forward, as the pair combined for both goals.
Villa Park Atmosphere and Squad Depth Key to the Win
Emery also highlighted the role of Villa Park’s atmosphere in pushing the team forward.
“We have to try to create here a strong atmosphere with full, positive energy with everybody,” he said. “Today these three points are very important for the Premier League, very important for us here in Villa Park.”
With a packed schedule ahead, including an FA Cup tie against Cardiff and a Champions League last-16 clash, Emery stressed the importance of squad depth and rotation.
“We were thinking maybe we could be tired after we played on Wednesday. The players that were tired or with some pain, like Morgan and Tyrone Mings, we subbed them with players who helped a lot like Lamare Bogarde, Leon, and Andrés.”
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Momentum Needed Ahead of Critical Fixtures
Villa now face a season-defining run with games coming thick and fast. The Chelsea win and performance against Liverpool will help boost confidence, but Emery is already focused on maintaining momentum.
“Now we’re going to play on Tuesday away, then come back here again playing against Cardiff on Friday, and then Champions League. We have a very exciting way this year. Hopefully, after the victory we did [against Chelsea] and how the players reacted and performed, we can keep going and improving.”
With Villa back to winning ways, certain the next stage is to back it up with further wins, as the season reaches the business end with plenty to play for.
UTV
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