Enzo Maresca hails Aston Villa intensity and praises Unai Emery

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has highlighted intensity and clarity as the defining traits behind Aston Villa’s surge, while delivering a glowing tribute to Unai Emery ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.

Villa arrive in west London in blistering form, having won 11 of their last 12 league matches, a run that has propelled them into the title conversation. They sit just one point behind second-placed Manchester City, with Arsenal only three points clear at the summit.

Maresca believes Villa’s run offers a clear lesson for Chelsea as they look to move from promise to contention.

“Yeah, for sure it’s one of the next steps,” the Italian said. “To win 10 games in a row in the Premier League is very difficult. I think it’s normal they receive praise because they are doing fantastic.”

Chelsea have lost just once in their last eight league games, but draws with Bournemouth and Newcastle have kept their focus on Champions League qualification rather than a title push. For Maresca, that difference comes down to sustaining elite standards week after week.

The Chelsea boss was effusive in his assessment of Emery’s side, pinpointing the two qualities he believes make Villa so difficult to face.

“They are very intense, very aggressive,” Maresca said. “They know exactly what they want when they are on the ball.”

That blend of physical edge and tactical clarity has become a hallmark of Emery’s teams—and Maresca says it’s no accident.

Maresca’s praise extended beyond Villa’s current form to a broader appreciation of Emery’s career.

“He has done a fantastic job in all the clubs,” Maresca added. “Sometimes you can have problems in some places, but the way he works with his team is very clear.

“Sevilla, PSG, Arsenal, Aston Villa… I even faced him when I was a player and he was Almería’s manager. That’s more than 25 years ago. His work ethic is very, very big.”

Emery’s ability to impose a clear identity across different leagues and squads is something Maresca clearly admires—and something Chelsea will need to counter on Saturday.

Villa’s visit represents one of Chelsea’s toughest home tests of the season. With Villa’s press, aggression and confidence, Maresca knows his side must match those levels to avoid being overwhelmed.

Having followed Chelsea closely this season, their challenge has not been quality but continuity. Against a Villa side thriving on rhythm and belief, any drop-off is likely to be punished.

Saturday’s clash could shape Chelsea’s festive momentum. A win would validate Maresca’s progress and narrow the gap to the league’s elite. For Villa, maintaining intensity and structure could extend a remarkable run and further cement their title credentials.

Should Unai Emery tweak his XI for Stamford Bridge—or stick with the formula that’s delivered 11 wins from 12?