Chelsea continued their impressive resurgence under manager Enzo Maresca with a dominant 3-0 victory over struggling Aston Villa. The win, Chelsea’s third in eight days, extended their unbeaten streak to six games and brought them level on points with Arsenal, boosting their hopes of securing Champions League qualification.
Early Goal Sets the Tone
Chelsea struck early, with Nicolas Jackson opening the scoring in the seventh minute. The Senegalese striker volleyed home from a Marc Cucurella cross, netting his eighth goal of the season. Although Aston Villa appealed for a foul in the buildup, the referee waved play on, allowing Jackson’s effort to stand.
Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer Shine
Enzo Fernandez doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 36th minute with a composed finish from 12 yards. The Argentine midfielder’s clever touch and precise shot showcased his growing influence in Chelsea’s midfield.
Cole Palmer sealed the win in the 83rd minute with a stunning strike from the edge of the box, also his eighth goal of the season. Palmer’s form continues to impress, adding another dimension to Chelsea’s attack.
Villa’s Struggles Continue
For Aston Villa, the defeat extended their winless run to eight matches. The optimism generated by their memorable Champions League victory over Bayern Munich in October now feels distant, with only one Premier League win since that triumph. Villa remains in 12th place, with mounting pressure on the team to turn their season around.
Tottenham’s Top-Four Setback
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s hopes of securing a top-four spot took a hit after a 1-1 draw with Fulham. Brennan Johnson gave Spurs the lead in the 54th minute, finishing from a Timo Werner pass. However, Tom Cairney equalized for Fulham with a curling shot in the 67th minute.
Fulham’s hopes of holding on for a point were threatened when Cairney was sent off in the 83rd minute. Initially shown a yellow card for a foul on Dejan Kulusevski, the decision was upgraded to a red card after a VAR review. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Fulham managed to secure the draw.
Chelsea’s Bright Future Under Maresca
Enzo Maresca, who has downplayed title aspirations in his first season at Chelsea, is steadily building a cohesive and dynamic team. The recent run of results suggests that Chelsea is well on its way to re-establishing itself as a top-four contender.
With key players like Jackson, Fernandez, and Palmer hitting form, and Maresca’s tactical acumen shining through, Chelsea’s prospects look promising. Their next fixtures will be crucial in determining whether they can maintain their momentum and secure a Champions League spot.
For Aston Villa and Tottenham, the road ahead looks challenging. Villa must address their form quickly to avoid slipping further down the table, while Spurs need to regain consistency if they are to stay in contention for a top-four finish.
