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It simply cannot continue. The logic defies rational sense that it persists. Yet, persist it does.

A Record-Chasing Victory Against the Odds

The Claret and Blue army arrived at the weekend's Premier League encounter at Chelsea looking to equal a historic record of 11 consecutive wins, a feat last achieved in the distant past. For the opening hour, this feat seemed improbable, as Chelsea controlled proceedings, secured the lead, and could have added to their advantage. But, Chelsea have shown vulnerability when ahead, particularly 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 leg and the post after his initial shot was blocked by the goalkeeper. Subsequently, he secured the decisive goal with a deft header. These were just his fourth and fifth league goals of the season. The forward might feel some fortune was due, and it's undeniable the equalizing goal had a large slice of good fortune. Currently, however, Lady Luck is smiling on Villa.

The Numbers Of an Implausible Run

The last nine of these 11 straight wins have been by a solitary goal. They have managed a shutout in just one of those matches. Their underlying metrics have been better in just six of those encounters, and in two of those, the advantage was 0.2 or less. Their last five road Premier League victories have all come after conceding first. This pattern should not, but pundits have been saying that for weeks, and Villa keep on winning. The key question is whether their results will eventually match their displays or if their level of play can rise to match the points haul.

This seems unsustainable be possible, but everybody's been stating that for a while and Villa continue winning.

A Core Characteristic: Belief

Fighting back 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 have been secured this term, 50% more than the second-placed team, Sunderland. This season, Villa substitutes have contributed nine goals. Two key observations can be made about Villa under their manager.

• Firstly, they possess a profound confidence that means no game ever feels insurmountable. This is, to an extent, self-perpetuating: the more they achieve comebacks, the more they believe they can do it again.
• Secondly, Emery has proven exceptionally skilled at changing games with his use of the bench.

A Masterful Change

While Chelsea won the xG battle 2.1 to 1.4, Villa were the dominant force from the moment, around the hour mark, when Emery executed a triple change. Ollie Watkins replaced Malen, who had found it difficult with few chances. Suddenly, the ball began to stick, and Watkins's movement behind the defensive line created issues. Onana and Jadon Sancho also came on, strengthening the midfield and adding the flank presence they had lacked earlier.

Chelsea had ten attempts to Villa's none before the changes; afterwards, Villa had eleven opportunities to Chelsea's four. By the final whistle, Villa were commanding and could easily have won by a greater margin. Once again, opposing manager Maresca struggled to respond as the game slipped away; the sense remains that he is more proficient at devising a game plan with preparation time than adapting in the moment.

Moment of Magic

Villa have cultivated a happy habit of individuals producing moments of match-winning quality to turn games. Rogers has been decisive at Leeds, West Ham, and against Manchester United. The image of him shifting the ball onto his right foot and curling a finish home has become a recurring theme. 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 Ezri Konsa and Viktor Lindelof on Saturday were key. At present, it's not always the whole side playing brilliantly, but sufficient individuals within it stepping up to earn the victories.

The Road Ahead

Can they keep going? They now sit three points behind Arsenal, and as the season nears its halfway stage, they must be considered as in the title race, arguably more so than club world champions Chelsea or reigning title holders Liverpool. Tuesday's away fixture at Arsenal will be a major examination of that claim. Villa beat Arsenal on the first weekend of December, a match in which they not only had better the xG but registered an xG forty percent higher than any other side has managed against Arsenal in the league this season.

The Gunners have assembled their own sequence of single-goal victories, winning 3 in a row without ever being wholly convincing. The upcoming clash will be a test for both teams – and if Villa win a 12th game in a row, it would become increasingly difficult to deny their championship pedigree.