Ollie Watkins insisted "teams are worried" about Aston Villa, while hailing "tactical genius" Unai Emery following their impressive comeback victory over Chelsea.
Villa recorded their club-record-equalling 11th straight win in all competitions, after coming from behind to prevail 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Emery's side remain within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal in third place, following an eighth successive league victory.
Watkins became the second substitute to score a brace against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in this season's Premier League, after Brighton's Danny Welbeck.
The England striker paid tribute to Emery as he discussed his side's title chances.
"[Emery] changed it because Chelsea were going man for man, but they had the extra centre-back when we were going long," Watkins told Sky Sports.
"When I came on in the second half, he brought Jadon Sancho and Morgan Rogers on the wing, and put Youri Tielemans in the number 10 [role], so we had an extra man in there. He's a tactical genius.
"I feel like teams are worried about us, even if we may not play the prettiest football at times. We're taking each game as it comes and focusing on ourselves, really.
"There's a lot of talk about us, and people asking if we can win the title, but it's a long way away. We're just focusing on the next game."
Watkins has scored in three of his last four Premier League appearances at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea (four goals). Since the start of 2020-21, only Erling Haaland (24) has scored more away top-flight goals in London than him (18).
"He was so, so focused," Emery said of the forward. "Keeping the game plan like we planned and doing his tasks, he's normally getting his numbers and, today, scoring goals is fantastic."
Villa could move level on points with Arsenal if they beat the Gunners on Tuesday, but Emery insists there is still a long way to go.
"We are playing against Arsenal, and our mentality is to compete strongly," he added.
"Of course, we are performing very well, we are winning matches in a row, we are competing fantastically. There are still another 20 matches to play."
Kodbkpsy
0
they beat all top 6epl teams accept Liverpool..so what kind of luck are you busy talking about about
Tocilostyz
1
Only Chelsea and Arsenal
Coddeklruz
0
another Leicester 2016 cooking
BaseBoois
0
Villa were lucky today. Chelsea played far better football and dominated the game for 60 minutes. They were unlucky not to manage the game properly and get the win. Villa are not special; they are just riding the waves of passion.
there s no luck in football
Yeocimosuz
0
villa is just lucky will see wen they facr Asernal the champions
😂😂😂😂😂😂 champions of bottoling
Caydekps
0
I sense arrogance now
ziziuipeo
0
Villa were lucky today. Chelsea played far better football and dominated the game for 60 minutes. They were unlucky not to manage the game properly and get the win. Villa are not special; they are just riding the waves of passion.
I agree Chelsea were absolutely dominating till 60mins. But this is a 90mins game. Villa put their heart and soul in those 60mins trying not to concede too many goals, Rest the fresh legs after substitution did the comeback. Learn to appreciate the opponents. This is the beauty of EPL, the underdogs team fight back rather than surrendering easily.
Gannymalta
1
Worry about yourselves, Villa! Your pending downfall is just around the corner!
Viwcelmnyz
0
you need humbling. you have been talking too much
GaddafiJamal
0
Villa were lucky today. Chelsea played far better football and dominated the game for 60 minutes. They were unlucky not to manage the game properly and get the win. Villa are not special; they are just riding the waves of passion.
Okay 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤡🤡
GaddafiJamal
0
packing the bus and counter attacking is not great tactics.
Corner FC? Jon 🤧🤣
Supbelmort
1
don"t worry you will start pocketing ur mouth next week when you come to Emirate
tisiopruz
0
Villa were lucky today. Chelsea played far better football and dominated the game for 60 minutes. They were unlucky not to manage the game properly and get the win. Villa are not special; they are just riding the waves of passion.
Chelsea failed to make their dominance count today. In football, when you have your chances, kill off the game, otherwise, you only have stories to tell. Even when you play badly, results matters.
cubabcilst
0
packing the bus and counter attacking is not great tactics.
But a great tactic to win you games against big teams 😂😂😂
AFerusmc6546
0
Arsenal is not
Arsenal is trash
AFerusmc6546
0
villa is just lucky will see wen they facr Asernal the champions
Which champion when last arsenal win title dat trash small club
AFerusmc6546
0
packing the bus and counter attacking is not great tactics.
U weh de rely on home goal de talk shit arsenal fc
AFerusmc6546
0
packing the bus and counter attacking is not great tactics.
No worries u go cry on Tuesday shit bottle fc
Tazacdlu
1
packing the bus and counter attacking is not great tactics.
Faoacptuy
0
villa is just lucky will see wen they facr Asernal the champions
Arsenal was beaten not too long ago.
zaodkmpyz
6
Don’t underate yourself u can win the title if lestercity can do it y not you…just believe in yourself…
BlueBlackSnake
0
Villa were lucky today. Chelsea played far better football and dominated the game for 60 minutes. They were unlucky not to manage the game properly and get the win. Villa are not special; they are just riding the waves of passion.
Oh so Villa is not special but Chelsea is special, lol
tusdimopsu
0
Villa were lucky today. Chelsea played far better football and dominated the game for 60 minutes. They were unlucky not to manage the game properly and get the win. Villa are not special; they are just riding the waves of passion.
stop ✋️ talking rubbish 🗑 here and Chelsea dominated for whole 60 minutes like nothing happened and nothing happened for real Chelsea team is waste of produit and why Villa show for 20 to 25 minutes dominated Chelsea like they playing against league two teams 🤔 them you are here opening your mouth wow like that and please find place to sit in right
thisishayzed
0
Villa were lucky today. Chelsea played far better football and dominated the game for 60 minutes. They were unlucky not to manage the game properly and get the win. Villa are not special; they are just riding the waves of passion.
stop talking 💩💩
Miubdkru
0
villa is just lucky will see wen they facr Asernal the champions
didnt they won against arsenaal like 3 weeks a go
Suarezzy
2
Villa were lucky today. Chelsea played far better football and dominated the game for 60 minutes. They were unlucky not to manage the game properly and get the win. Villa are not special; they are just riding the waves of passion.
please stop crying with this excuses , you were dominated, deserved win for Aston villa today
Fris
1
Villa were lucky today. Chelsea played far better football and dominated the game for 60 minutes. They were unlucky not to manage the game properly and get the win. Villa are not special; they are just riding the waves of passion.
Keep on Explaining... we are taking notes
Danyeze
3
Villa were lucky today. Chelsea played far better football and dominated the game for 60 minutes. They were unlucky not to manage the game properly and get the win. Villa are not special; they are just riding the waves of passion.
zatakruyz
4
villa is just lucky will see wen they facr Asernal the champions
Tazacdlu
2
Arsenal is not
Belatsch
1
Real Gem