4 Key takeaways from Chelsea's clash with Villa

Chelsea climbed to joint-second place in the Premier League, level on points with Arsenal, after a commanding 3-0 win against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer ended the Blues’ three-match winless streak in the league against Unai Emery’s side in emphatic fashion. Here are the four major talking points from Chelsea’s performance:

1. A Tactical Masterstroke in Midfield

The conundrum of fitting Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia into the same lineup has loomed large this season. Injury concerns inadvertently provided the solution. With Reece James and Malo Gusto unavailable, Caicedo deputized at right-back but inverted into midfield during possession. This tactical innovation by Enzo Maresca was a resounding success, allowing all three midfielders to shine. Fernandez scored a stunning goal, Lavia showcased his composure in possession, and Caicedo was a defensive and transitional powerhouse. Maresca’s ingenuity may have unlocked a blueprint for future games.

2. Cole Palmer Back to His Best

After a brief dry spell, Cole Palmer delivered a scintillating performance. Operating from his favored right-hand side, he was pivotal in Chelsea’s attacking play. Palmer assisted Fernandez’s goal with a precise pass and then scored a breathtaking strike from outside the box, curling the ball into the top corner. The 22-year-old has now become the second-fastest Chelsea player to reach 30 Premier League goals. Regularly deploying Palmer on the right could be the key to maximizing his creative and goal-scoring potential.

3. Marc Cucurella: A Candidate for Best Left-Back in the League

Marc Cucurella’s remarkable resurgence continued with another standout display. The Spaniard excelled in both attack and defense, contributing to the build-up for Chelsea’s opener and delivering a solid defensive shift. Having kept players like Bukayo Saka quiet earlier this season, Cucurella’s consistency and impact are undeniable. While the spotlight often falls on Chelsea’s attackers, the Spaniard deserves recognition as a cornerstone of their recent success.

4. The Josh Achempong Contract Saga Intensifies

Chelsea’s persistent injury issues at right-back have underscored the importance of securing depth in this position. Moises Caicedo admirably filled the role against Aston Villa, but the looming fixture congestion highlights the need for a natural alternative. Enter Josh Achempong—a rising star whose contract situation remains unresolved. Resolving this impasse swiftly would provide Chelsea with a reliable option and ease concerns in a critical area of the pitch.

Looking Ahead

Chelsea’s next challenge comes on Wednesday as they travel to St. Mary’s to face Southampton. With momentum on their side, the Blues will look to extend their stellar run as they
have scored 16 goals and conceded just two in their last five games, and maintain their position in the top four.