Aston Villa were able to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday, but it was far from an easy victory for Unai Emery’s side.
Chelsea initially took the lead in the first half through Joao Pedro and looked like they would win the match once they grabbed a second goal.
Unfortunately for them, though, that second goal never came and Villa eventually found themselves level thanks to Ollie Watkins.
Chelsea drop a huge three points 😑
What has disappointed you most about the performance?
Chelsea lose to Aston Villa
Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
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Watkins then scored again, winning the fixture for Villa. Robert Sanchez continues to prove himself in goal for Chelsea, but in the end, not even his heroics could prevent the Blues from falling to defeat.
Robert Sanchez of Chelsea gestures
Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Unai Emery thought Chelsea were ‘fantastic’ in first half against Aston Villa
Chelsea certainly deserved their lead after a strong first-half performance. In fact, Emery thought they were “fantastic”.
Speaking to the BBC after the game, the Villa manager said: “We kept the same game plan we had at the first half, but the first half they were playing fantastic. They were dominating. We couldn’t get the ball easily.
“We were defending low, we are defending well. We didn’t concede corners, only one corner and they score.”
How do you feel about the decision not to penalise Ian Maatsen? 🤔
“The referee’s call of no penalty to Chelsea was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Maatsen’s arm was in a justifiable position.”
Premier League Match Centre on why Chelsea were not awarded a penalty in Aston Villa defeat
Pedro Neto of Chelsea is challenged by Ian Maatsen of Aston Villa
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The Club World Cup winners were also quite dominant in the second 45 minutes, but they could not convert their chances and allowed their opponents back into the game.
All in all, the only word to use to describe Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Villa is capitulation. Maresca’s men did more than enough to win that match and the stats show it.
Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, gives instructions to Ollie Watkins
Photo by Marc Atkins – AVFC/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Chelsea’s attacking stats vs Aston Villa
Chelsea dominated possession during their defeat to Villa, which you would expect given Maresca’s style and the fact that they were at home.
Chelsea also had a higher xG and registered more shots than Villa, according to Sofascore. So again, they should have claimed all three points.
Chelsea’s stats vs Aston Villa Total
Ball possession 63%
xG 2.14
Big chances created 2
Total shots 14
However, the Conference League holders were not clinical enough and have paid the price for it.
Their next match is against Bournemouth, which is not going to be easy. They have already faced Andoni Iraola’s side this month, drawing 0-0 with them at the Vitality Stadium.
It is a game that Chelsea have to win, though. They have now dropped down to fifth following their latest defeat.
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