All the talk about the futures of Nigel Reo-Coker and Emile Heskey has done little to affect Aston Villa’s mindset and their come-from-behind victory against title chasers Chelsea epitomises the strength of character in the squad.   It was a great recovery because there seemed to be an inferiority complex when Villa hosted the big four at home last season - drawing with three and losing to the Blues at a vital stage in the race for Champions League qualification.   It’s too early to get excited after their triumph over the Blues this time, but it shows that Villa should have nothing to fear when playing the best at home.

Having already beaten Liverpool comfortably at Anfield and with another three points bagged against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, there is no reason why they shouldn’t go on the pitch every time they face top-four opposition believing they can cause problems, whether it’s at home or away.

Suffering an early setback like they did, when Brad Freidei made a very uncharacteristic mistake would have been very deflating and considering their recent record at home, it was difficult to see how Villa were going to get back into the contest.

But they had the courage to do it and despite concerns that Villa score the majority of their goals against the top-sides from set-pieces, they are a big part of football and Martin O’Neill’s side still had to be good enough to capitialise on Chelsea’s weak defending.

It was a stern test to win in the manner in which they did. But the ultimate examination for Villa is there consistency against the teams around them and below them in the table.

Three consecutive away matches at local rivals Wolves, an Everton side that have yet to get going and surprise strugglers West Ham are the type of games that will decide how Villa fare in the long haul.

To keep in touch with the teams above them, a minimum target of seven points from theses three games is what they should be aiming for. If they can achieve it then it gives them a platform to go into the Christmas fixtures, a period when so many points can be won and lost, breathing down the necks of their nearest rivals.