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Aston Villa’s winless streak extends to eight matches following this afternoon’s 3-0 defeat away at Chelsea in the Premier League.
Unai Emery’s side were no match for a busy and confident Chelsea side who claimed all three points courtesy of goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.
It was a day to forget for Emiliano Martinez as the Villa goalkeeper made two big errors in the first period and was substituted with a knock at half time, but it was an unconvincing performance all round from a deflated Villa team.
It took the hosts just seven minutes to take the lead as Jackson volleyed in off the post. Jaden Philogene made a meal of his attempt to bring down Pau Torres’ headed clearance, allowing Marc Cucurella to chop in, play a one-two with Jadon Sancho and cross for Jackson to convert.
Ollie Watkins had a glorious chance to equalise for Villa but fluffed his lines. The striker did excellently to take John McGinn’s pass into his stride and knock the ball past Wesley Fofana but the shot was weak and straight at Robert Sanchez.
Martinez’s first blunder saw Chelsea win a rare indirect free-kick; the goalkeeper saved from Palmer but then picked the ball up after Pau Torres took a slight touch. Palmer took the set piece for Chelsea and Martinez somewhat made amends with a superb stop.
It wasn’t long until Villa’s number 23 made another mistake, however, as Martinez, under no pressure at all, passed the ball straight to Jackson inside the area and was spared only by the striker’s poor first touch. Had Chelsea’s opening goalscorer controlled the ball better, it surely would’ve been 2-0.
Fernandez doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 36th minute, toe-poking the ball into the far bottom corner after a clever one-two with Palmer. Villa got the basics all wrong, giving the ball away sparingly when passing out from the back and failing to pick up either runner.
Watkins had another decent chance just before the interval but once again fired straight at Sanchez. McGinn then had a decent opportunity immediately after the break but he too was denied by the Chelsea goalkeeper.
Aston Villa were dominated by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.Aston Villa were dominated by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa were dominated by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. | Getty Images
There was a slight resurgence from the visitors in the second half but Palmer put the game to bed in the 83rd minute, curling a stunning effort into the top left corner to make it 3-0. Villa, the first team in the Premier League to fail to score against Chelsea since September 21, drop down to 11th in the table.
Aston Villa ratings vs Chelsea
Here’s how the Villa players rated out of 10 on a disappointing afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
Emiliano Martinez - 4 (off at HT)
Made two horrendous errors in the first half, first conceding an indirect free-kick by needlessly picking up the ball from Pau and then passing the ball straight to Jackson for a big chance seven minutes later. Made two great saves to deny Palmer but was otherwise well off it. Taken off at half time with a knock.
Matty Cash - 6
Made his fair share of tackles and interceptions but was often caught out of position, affording Sancho and Cucurella space in behind.
Ezri Konsa - 5
Merely a bystander for Jackson’s opener as he stood still and made no effort to worsen the angle. Made a woeful touch that nearly allowed Jackson another goal in the second period.
Pau Torres - 6
Villa’s best defender on a poor afternoon for the back four. Did well one-on-one with Palmer on a couple of occasions but struggled with his passing.
Lucas Digne - 5
Beaten far too easily by Pedro Neto on several occasions and wasn’t his usual self when attacking down the left flank.
Boubacar Kamara - 6 (off 62’)
Unable to get a foothold in the game against the dominant midfield of Fernandez, Lavia and Caicedo.
Youri Tielemans - 6
Didn’t dictate the play as he usually would and looked uncharacteristically susceptible to the press.
John McGinn - 6
Created the best of Watkins’ chances with a superb curled pass and stung the gloves of Sanchez with a decent effort of his own just after the break.
Jaden Philogene - 4 (off 66’)
At fault for Jackson’s opener as his loose touch gave up possession before Cucurella’s cross. Booked for a blatant dive in the second half.
Morgan Rogers - 6 (off 66’)
Occasionally beat his man but rarely picked out the right pass.
Ollie Watkins - 5
Fumbled two big chances in the first half, the earlier of which would’ve levelled up the scoring. Created a good opening for McGinn at the start of the second period.
Robin Olsen - 6 (on at HT)
Didn’t do a great deal wrong after replacing Martinez and couldn’t do anything about Palmer’s goal.
Ross Barkley - 6 (on 62’)
Brought on to improve control in midfield but struggled to make his mark.
Leon Bailey - 5 (on 66’)
Failed with several take-on attempts, pocketed rather easily by Cucurella.
Jhon Duran - 6 (on 66’)
Got in some decent positions, flashing a header over the bar from a corner and nearly scoring a late consolation goal with an improvised slide.
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