“We focus” – Unai Emery reacts as Aston Villa cap off bad week of results for Chelsea

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery refused to be drawn into talk of the top-four race after his side’s late winner against Brighton extended Chelsea’s miserable run, insisting his only concern is the next match on Villa’s schedule.

The 2-1 victory at Villa Park, sealed by a stoppage-time goal, lifted Villa six points clear of Chelsea, who have now endured a damaging sequence of results. Chelsea entered the midweek round buoyed by a bright opening against Leeds United on Tuesday, racing into a 2-0 lead inside the first 45 minutes. Yet a rare lapse from Mois Caicedo, followed by defensive uncertainty, allowed Leeds to claw back a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Leeds boss Liam Rosenior highlighted the Ecuadorian’s mistimed challenge as the turning point, praising his own side’s response without singling out the Chelsea midfielder for blame.

Above Mauricio Pochettino’s team, the picture darkened further. Manchester City kept the pressure on leaders Arsenal with a 3-0 rout of Fulham, while Manchester United salvaged a late point at West Ham to remain one point ahead of Chelsea in the standings.

Villa, meanwhile, appeared destined to stay only four points clear of the Londoners until their dramatic winner against Brighton. Emery, whose side have now taken maximum advantage of Chelsea’s stumbles, was quick to swat away questions about the shifting table.

“I don’t want to speak about other teams,” the Spaniard told Birmingham Live. “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.”

With the gap widening and fixtures running out, Villa’s late flourish has intensified the pressure on Chelsea, whose top-four hopes now hinge on a swift reversal of form.