VILLA abandoned their famed Charge of the Light Brigade tactics as they moved back to the top of the Premier League. Their third trip to London in ten days produced the victory they so desperately needed. And it was achieved in the Liverpool style of when the Anfield Reds were the best side in the country by a distance. Villa sat back and waited, absorbing all the pressure that Chelsea mounted before Ray Houghton seized the vital goal after just 22 minutes. Instead of attempting to run the whole show, as they tried and failed against Wimbledon and then Crystal Palace, they destroyed Chelsea with a totally disciplined and determined display. It was fitting that Houghton, one of Liverpool's all-conquering side in the Merseysiders' heydays, should pop up with the goal that saw them jumping two points clear of rivals Manchester United. "It wasn't one of our most entertaining performances by a million miles," said a clearly delighted Ron Atkinson.