Chelsea get their Premier League title challenge back on track with a 3-1 win over Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa in the Matchday 19 clash on Sunday.
Aston Villa head coach missed the clash after testing positive for Covid-19 on Christmas. The game seemed tight in the opening exchanges. But it burst into life in the 23rd minute after Mason Mount nearly caught Emiliano Martinez out, with his striker clipping the top of the crossbar.
Villa took the lead in the 28th minute when Reece James’ clearing header looped over Edouard Mendy and ended up in the back of the net. Minutes later Callum Hudson-Odoi was brought down by Matty Cash inside the penalty box. Jorginho calmly levelled the proceedings from the penalty spot.
Thomas Tuchel called upon his star striker Romelu Lukaku at the half-time whistle. The Belgium striker repaid his manager’s trust by putting Chelsea ahead in the 56th minute. Chelsea were awarded a penalty late on in the match after Ezri Konsa fouled Lukaku inside the box. Jorginho converted his second penalty in the match and handed Chelsea the 3-1 win.
With this win, the European champions are now on 41 points from 19 league games. They are now are just six points off league leader Manchester City, While Aston Villa drop down to 11th in the league table with 22 points from 18 league games.
Chelsea player ratings vs Aston Villa
Edouard Mendy – 6
He couldn’t really do much about the Reece James own goal. But made some good decisions to come off his line and end the Villa attacks.
Reece James – 5
The England international obviously scored the own goal for the Aston Villa opener. James really struggled in the first half and was moved to the Centre-back position at the start of the second half.
Trevoh Chalobah – 7
Kept Ollie Watkins at bay for the entire first half. Nut was taken off at half-time with Tuchel bringing Lukaku into the game.
Thiago Silva – 8
Yet another fantastic display by the veteran centre-half. He led the team from the back and was taken off in the second half.
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Rudiger looked confident in bringing the ball out from the back. He kept Danny Ings quiet for the entire match.
Marcos Alonso – 6
A constant threat down the left for Villa and was booked in the second half. But a much better performance than in recent weeks.
Jorginho – 8
Very calmy converted the two penalties to give Chelsea the 3-1 win.
N’Golo Kante – 8
The French midfielder won possession back high up the field for Chelsea. Kept things rolling in the middle of the park for the blues.
Mason Mount – 7
Another good performance by the English attacking midfielder. Should have got a goal for himself after he missed a golden opportunity in the second half.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 8
He won the first penalty for the blues and also assisted Lukaku for the Chelsea second goal. Looked lively for the whole game.
Christian Pulisic – 6
Struggled to get into the match in the first half. He was moved to the right wing-back position in the second half.
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