Aston Villa have emphatically cemented their status as genuine Premier League title contenders after a dramatic comeback victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The win ensures they keep pace with the league's top two, Arsenal and Manchester City, setting up a fascinating second half of the season.
The Title Race Heats Up
Unai Emery's side demonstrated remarkable resilience to overturn a deficit against Chelsea on Saturday. Ollie Watkins emerged as the super-sub hero, scoring both the equaliser and a late winner to secure a vital 2-1 triumph. This result means Villa remain third in the table, just three points behind leaders Arsenal, with Manchester City sitting between them in second place.
The gap to fourth-placed Liverpool is now a significant seven points, while Chelsea find themselves ten points adrift of Villa. This commanding position firmly inserts Villa into the mid-season championship conversation, a remarkable achievement given the traditional dominance of the established 'big six'.
A Crucial Run of Fixtures Ahead
The coming weeks will provide the ultimate test of Villa's championship credentials. Their schedule is a demanding mix of league and cup commitments that will challenge their squad depth and resolve.
Aston Villa's next five fixtures are:
- Arsenal (A) - December 30 - Premier League
- Nottingham Forest (H) - January 3, 2026 - Premier League
- Crystal Palace (A) - January 7, 2026 - Premier League
- Tottenham Hotspur (A) - January 10, 2026 - FA Cup third round
- Everton (H) - January 18, 2026 - Premier League
It all begins with a seismic clash away at the Emirates Stadium against league leaders Arsenal. A victory would see Villa draw level on points with Mikel Arteta's side, while a defeat could open a daunting six-point gap. The subsequent matches offer no respite, with a Midlands derby against a tricky Nottingham Forest and a trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace.
Emery also faces a tactical dilemma in the FA Cup, with a visit to Tottenham Hotspur forcing a decision on how heavily to prioritise cup success versus league focus. The run concludes with a home game against the unpredictable Everton.
How Their Rivals' Schedules Compare
Arsenal's next five fixtures present their own challenges: Aston Villa at home, followed by a trip to Bournemouth, a huge home match against Liverpool, an FA Cup tie at Portsmouth, and a League Cup semi-final first leg at Chelsea.
Manchester City's schedule appears slightly different, starting with a Premier League trip to Sunderland on New Year's Day. They then host Chelsea and Brighton in the league, welcome Exeter City in the FA Cup, and travel to Newcastle United for their League Cup semi-final first leg.
The contrasting schedules mean all three teams will navigate a packed period, but Villa's direct confrontation with Arsenal on December 30th is the undisputed standout fixture that could dramatically reshape the Premier League title race. Their ability to emerge from this brutal run still in touch with the summit will define whether their challenge is a fleeting glimpse or a sustained assault on the championship.
