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This surely should not continue. The logic defies sense that it persists. Yet, persist it does.

A Historic Victory Defying Expectations

Aston Villa entered Saturday's Premier League encounter at Chelsea looking to equal a historic record of eleven consecutive wins, a feat last achieved in 1897 and 1914. For the opening hour, this feat seemed improbable, as the hosts dominated proceedings, secured the lead, and might have added several more. But, Chelsea have shown frailty when ahead, especially at home, while Villa now possess a baffling knack of securing away victories after falling behind.

First, the striker equalised, the ball ricocheting in off his shin and the post following his initial shot was blocked by Robert Sánchez. Later on, he secured the winner with a precise header. These were just his fourth and fifth league goals of the season. The forward might believe a bit of luck was overdue, and there's no question the equalizing goal had a large slice of good fortune. At the moment, however, Lady Luck is smiling on Villa.

The Numbers Behind an Unlikely Run

Nine of these 11 straight wins were by a solitary goal. They have kept a clean sheet in only one of those games. Their expected goals (xG) have been superior in just six of those encounters, and in two of those, the advantage was minimal. Their last five road Premier League victories have all come after conceding first. This formula seems unsustainable, yet pundits have been claiming that for some time, and Villa continue winning. The central question is whether their outcomes will finally align with their performances or if their level of play can improve to match the points haul.

This seems unsustainable be possible, but everyone has been stating that for weeks and Villa continue winning.

A Core Characteristic: Resilience

Coming from behind 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; 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 observations can be made about Villa under Unai Emery.

• First, they possess a deep-rooted confidence that means no deficit ever feels insurmountable. This is, in part, a virtuous cycle: the more they come from behind, the more they believe they can do it once more.
• Secondly, Emery has proven very adept at changing games with his substitutions.

A Masterful Change

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 replaced Donyell Malen, who had found it difficult with limited service. Immediately, the ball began to stick, and Watkins's runs in behind created issues. Onana and Jadon Sancho also came on, bolstering the center and adding the width they had eschewed earlier.

The Blues registered 10 shots to Villa's none before the substitutions; afterwards, Villa had 11 chances to Chelsea's 4. By the final whistle, Villa were in control and could easily have won more comfortably. Once again, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca struggled to react as the game slipped away; the impression remains that he is better at devising a tactical plan with time to prepare than adapting in the moment.

Moment of Magic

Villa have cultivated 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 sight of him shifting the ball onto his favored foot and whipping a finish home has become a recurring leitmotif. It was the winger who transformed the game after coming on at Leeds. The striker changed the game at Stamford Bridge. The contributions of defenders like Konsa and Lindelof on Saturday were also vital. Right now, it's seldom the whole side playing brilliantly, but enough individuals within it stepping up to earn the victories.

The Road Ahead

Will they be able to maintain this run? They now sit three points behind Arsenal, and as the season approaches its halfway stage, they have to be viewed as part of the title race, certainly more so than teams like Chelsea or defending champions Liverpool. The upcoming away fixture at Arsenal will be a significant examination of that status. Villa defeated Arsenal earlier this month, a match in which they not only had better the xG but registered an xG 40% higher than any other side has achieved against Arsenal in the league this term.

Arsenal have since put together their own sequence of narrow victories, winning 3 in a row without ever being wholly convincing. Tuesday will be a test for both teams – and if Villa secure a 12th game in a row, it would become almost impossible to dismiss their championship pedigree.