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Posted on February 12, 2026 8:00 pm | Updated on February 12, 2026 6:03 pm
Unai Emery turns down question about Chelsea as Aston Villa move six points clear in the Premier League table. The Villa boss refused to be drawn into comparisons after his side earned a key win. That result has likely tightened their grip on the top four race. They have increased the pressure on their rivals.
Aston Villa Move Up as Chelsea Stumble
Wednesday night could not have unfolded better for Aston Villa. Chelsea failed to finish the job against Leeds United and Manchester United were held by West Ham. However, Villa made their move. Hosting Brighton in a tense clash, Unai Emery asked for patience and nerve from his men. It was not a flashy display, but it was a huge one.
The breakthrough came late on in the game. Tyrone Mings rose to his highest and got home the key header. That moment sent the Villa Park into full voice. That single goal has pushed the Midlands club six points clear in the league table. In addition, it has strengthened their push for a Champions League return as well. At the same time, Liverpool edged Sunderland away from home at Stadium of Light. Thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s effort, as the Reds are keeping the race tight.
Chelsea’s draw at Stamford Bridge looks costly at the moment. They had entered the clash sitting just one point behind fourth place. Liverpool were chasing from below, and there was pressure from all sides. Instead of gaining ground, Chelsea watched the visitors take control.
On the other hand, Villa handled the moment. Emery has brought consistency into his squad. Even when performances are not great, they are getting the job done. In a season where margins are thin, that ability can define everything.
Unai Emery Refuses To Enter Chelsea Debate
After the final whistle, attention quickly turned to the bigger picture. With Chelsea and Man United both dropping points, Emery was asked whether the win felt even more important. His answer was firm and immediate.
“No way, no way.
“I don’t want to speak about other teams. We focus on ourselves, in our way, our points, and how we build the team.
“We are trying to focus on each match. Other teams will win and lose. If we lose, then we are out, but if we win, then we keep a good way. We focus on each competition and each match.”
Emery has built his Villa project on control and discipline. He knows how quickly momentum can change in the Premier League. By shutting down questions about rivals, he protects his dressing room from noise. The focus remains internal, where he believes it belongs at this point.
That mindset has served Villa well. They are not chasing headlines, they are chasing points. And right now, they are earning them at the right time.
The Blues Face A Defining Run
For Chelsea, the picture looks more complicated. The Premier League football will be on a hold this weekend as the FA Cup fourth round arrives. Liam Rosenior takes his team back to familiar territory with a trip to Hull City. It offers a chance to reset, but league pressure will not fade.
After the cup tie, the Blues host Burnley. On paper, that is a match they must win. But, beyond that lies a tough run of games. Arsenal are next, followed by a visit to Villa Park. Those fixtures now carry even greater weight.
Six points is not an impossible gap, but it feels huge at this stage. Villa have momentum and Chelsea are searching for it. That said, the difference in mood between the two sides is clear.
The margin for error is very small. Villa are sensing opportunity and the Blues are facing urgency at the moment. With that, Emery will keep repeating his message about focus and belief. In the meantime, Rosenior must find answers quickly.
The race for the top four is far from settled, but Villa have made their move in their chase. They did their job pretty well when others could not.
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