Chelsea delivered a commanding performance at Stamford Bridge, defeating Aston Villa 3-0 to climb to third place in the Premier League table.
The victory extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to six games, while Aston Villa’s dismal winless streak reached eight matches, leaving them languishing in 12th place.
Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring in just the 7th minute, volleying Marc Cucurella’s cross past Emiliano Martinez for his eighth goal of the season.
While Villa appealed for a foul in the buildup, the goal stood, setting the tone for Chelsea’s dominance.
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez doubled the lead in the 36th minute with a composed finish from 12 yards, punishing Villa’s defensive frailties.
Chelsea continued to control the game, and Cole Palmer capped the performance with a stunning long-range strike in the 83rd minute, taking his season tally to eight goals as well.
Despite manager Enzo Maresca’s insistence that Chelsea are not title contenders this season, the Blues are proving to be strong candidates for a Champions League spot.
Their third consecutive win in just eight days sees them tied on points with second-placed Arsenal, showcasing the growing potential of this youthful side under Maresca’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s decline is a far cry from their Champions League victory over Bayern Munich earlier this season. They have now secured only one league win since October, highlighting the immense challenges facing manager Unai Emery.
Chelsea’s form continues to build confidence, with players like Jackson, Fernandez, and Palmer stepping up to deliver results. As they look ahead to their next fixtures, the Blues seem poised to further cement their position among the Premier League’s elite.
