Chelsea vs Aston Villa Review
Aston Villa came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Premier League, marking their third win in their last four trips to Stamford Bridge. Just two minutes into the game, a delicate pass from Moisés Caicedo and a skillful touch from Cole Palmer created the first chance for Villa, but Palmer’s shot went wide. Although Morgan Rogers occasionally launched counterattacks, Benoît Badiashile tackled him inside the box, allowing the home team to maintain control. Chelsea were quicker to most balls, and one interception led to a move where Alejandro Garnacho cut the ball back for a shot that Enzo Fernández directed just wide.
Caicedo and Palmer each had a shot blocked by Youri Tielemans, while Emiliano Martínez stayed alert, spreading himself to stop João Pedro’s flick when he was finally tested in the 24th minute. Although the score remained tied, the visitors faced disappointment as Matty Cash received a yellow card for his challenge on Garnacho, meaning he will miss the upcoming match against Arsenal. After Reece James sent a shot wide, he delivered a corner that Pedro managed to get the best touch on, breaking the deadlock in the 37th minute. Palmer then had a shot saved, and John McGinn’s weak free-kick at the other end was dealt with before halftime.
The second half was much more competitive, with Rogers and Emiliano Buendía both being denied, and James forcing a brilliant save from Martínez. Garnacho then curled a shot wide before Emery made three substitutions as the hour mark approached. Shortly after, Ollie Watkins slid the ball to Boubacar Kamara, but Robert Sánchez rushed out to block the Frenchman. However, Watkins scored as his shot deflected off the goalkeeper and back onto him before going in. Sánchez quickly returned to action to save a powerful shot from Ian Maatsen, before Chelsea made three substitutions of their own.
Watkins continued to create difficulties, and he appeared once more to score an 84th-minute header, securing Aston Villa’s 11th straight win and keeping them just three points behind the Premier League leaders. Chelsea suffered their first loss in four games across all competitions, leaving them in fifth place for the time being.
