Chelsea delivered a stunning performance at Stamford Bridge, beating Aston Villa 3-0 to move level on points with Arsenal.
Goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer sealed the Blues’ fourth consecutive league victory, while extending Villa’s winless run to eight games.
Jackson opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Marc Cucurella’s strong challenge on Jaden Philogene led to a cross for Jackson, who calmly finished off the post.
Chelsea doubled their lead in the Premier League clash just before halftime when Fernandez struck a sublime half-volley after a clever one-two with Palmer.
Aston Villa, struggling to replicate last season’s form, had a rare chance through Ollie Watkins, but the striker was denied by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Things worsened for Villa as Emiliano Martinez suffered an arm injury following a collision with Jackson, forcing the Argentine off at halftime.
In the second half, Chelsea continued their dominance, with Palmer adding a late stunner.
The 21-year-old curled a brilliant shot into the top corner from outside the box, capping off an impressive team display.
Substitute Joao Felix nearly added a fourth, but his header was saved by Robin Olsen.
Unai Emery’s side offered little resistance, with only John McGinn’s stoppage-time shot troubling Chelsea.
Chelsea, although third in the league table, are now level on points (23}, with Arsenal, who are second.
