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This surely should not go on. The logic defies sense that it persists. And yet, it does.

A Historic Triumph Defying Expectations

Aston Villa entered the weekend's Premier League encounter at Chelsea aiming for a historic record of 11 consecutive wins, a feat last achieved in 1897 and 1914. For much of the match, this feat seemed improbable, as the hosts controlled proceedings, took the lead, and could have added to their advantage. But, Chelsea have shown frailty when ahead, particularly at home, while Villa have cultivated a baffling knack of securing wins on the road from losing positions.

First, Ollie Watkins equalised, the ball ricocheting in off his leg and the post following his first effort was blocked by the goalkeeper. Later on, he nodded in the decisive goal with a deft header. These were just his fourth and fifth league goals of the season. Watkins might feel a bit of luck was overdue, and it's undeniable the equalizing goal had a large slice of good fortune. Currently, however, fortune seems to be favoring Villa.

The Statistics Of an Unlikely Run

The last nine of these eleven straight wins were by a single goal. They have kept a shutout in just one of those matches. Their underlying metrics have been superior in only six of those fixtures, and in two of those, the advantage was 0.2 or less. Their last five road Premier League victories have all come after conceding first. This pattern should not, but pundits have been saying that for weeks, and Villa continue winning. The key question is whether their outcomes will eventually align with their displays or if their performances can rise to justify the results.

This should not be possible, but everybody's been saying that for weeks and Villa continue winning.

A Defining Trait: Resilience

Fighting back is not just a trait of the current campaign. Over the past 3 seasons, no side has gained more points when trailing than Villa's fifty-four; 18 of those were secured this term, fifty percent more than the next best team, Sunderland. This season, Villa players from the bench have scored 9 goals. Two key points can be made about Villa under Unai Emery.

• Firstly, they possess a deep-rooted confidence that means no deficit ever feels beyond them. This is, in part, a virtuous cycle: the more they come from behind, the more they are convinced they can do it again.
• Second, Emery has proven exceptionally skilled at changing games with his use of the bench.

The Emery Effect

While Chelsea won the xG battle 2.1-1.4, Villa became the dominant force from the moment, just before the hour mark, when Emery made a triple change. Ollie Watkins came on for Donyell Malen, who had struggled with few chances. Immediately, the ball was held up better, and Watkins's movement behind the defensive line caused problems. Amadou Onana and Jadon Sancho also entered, strengthening the midfield and providing the width they had lacked earlier.

The Blues registered ten attempts to Villa's none before the changes; afterwards, Villa created 11 chances to Chelsea's 4. By the final whistle, Villa were commanding and could have won by a greater margin. Once again, opposing manager Maresca struggled to respond as the game turned against him; the sense remains that he is more proficient at implementing a tactical plan with time to prepare than adapting in the moment.

Individual Brilliance

Villa have also developed a welcome habit of players producing moments of sensational quality to turn games. Morgan Rogers has been decisive at Leeds, West Ham, and against Manchester United. The image of him shifting the ball onto his right foot and whipping a finish into the top corner has become a recurring leitmotif. It was Malen who changed the game after coming on at Leeds. The striker changed the game at Stamford Bridge. The contributions of players such as Ezri Konsa and Viktor Lindelof on Saturday were key. Right now, it's seldom the whole side playing brilliantly, but enough players within it delivering to earn the victories.

The Road Ahead

Can they keep going? They now sit three points behind Arsenal, and as the season approaches its midway point, they must be viewed as in the title race, certainly more so than club world champions Chelsea or defending champions Liverpool. The upcoming away game at Arsenal will be a major test of that status. Villa defeated Arsenal earlier this month, a match in which they not only won the xG but posted an xG 40% higher than any other side has achieved against Arsenal in the league this season.

The Gunners have since put together their own run of single-goal victories, winning three in a row without ever being entirely convincing. The upcoming clash will be a challenge for both teams – and if Villa secure a twelfth game in a row, it would become increasingly difficult to deny their championship pedigree.