Chelsea surged to third place with a commanding 3-0 victory over struggling Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Blues extended their unbeaten run to six games across all competitions, while Villa’s winless streak stretched to eight matches.
Although Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has downplayed their title hopes, stating his young side is focused on rebuilding this season, they are showing real potential for securing a Champions League spot. This third consecutive win in just eight days saw them draw level on points with second-placed Arsenal.
For Villa, the memory of their dramatic Champions League win over Bayern Munich in October seems a distant one, as they have managed just one league victory since.
Chelsea took control early, with Nicolas Jackson scoring in the seventh minute, his eighth goal of the season. The Senegalese striker connected with Marc Cucurella’s cross, volleying past Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez at the near post. Villa’s appeals for a foul by Cucurella on Jaden Philogene in the build-up were waved away.
Enzo Fernandez doubled Chelsea’s advantage in the 36th minute, taking a deft touch before firing a clinical shot into the net from 12 yards.
Cole Palmer wrapped up the victory with an exquisite finish from the edge of the box in the 83rd minute, securing his eighth goal of the season.
