A plastic bottle was allegedly thrown towards the Aston Villa bench after they beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League - and Chelsea have now launched an investigation
Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa gestures during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge
Unai Emery's side came from behind to win at Stamford Bridge
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Chelsea have launched an investigation after a plastic bottle was reportedly thrown towards the Aston Villa bench following their 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
Aston Villa once again staged a comeback to clinch a league victory, having done so in their previous four Premier League away matches prior to facing Chelsea. Substitute Ollie Watkins netted twice in the second half, securing Villa's 11th consecutive win across all competitions.
The match, which saw eight yellow cards handed out, was marred by moments of ill temper, with Villa's set-piece coach Austin MacPhee also receiving a booking late in the game - something captain John McGinn made light of by posting three crying laughing emojis and a GIF of the yellow card on X.
Tensions seemed to reach boiling point at the final whistle when a plastic bottle was allegedly hurled towards the Villa bench, dousing some staff members with water.
Some Villa staff reacted with visible disgust, and according to The Telegraph, one member appeared to suggest that the object had been thrown from the Chelsea dugout area, although this has yet to be confirmed, reports Birmingham Live.
Chelsea have reportedly pledged full cooperation with Villa and any relevant authorities, if necessary, to ascertain exactly where the bottle originated from. CCTV footage is expected to be scrutinised as part of the investigation.
Mirror Football understands that the Football Association, who would bare responsibility for any disciplinary action should it be necessary, are aware of the allegations. Chelsea and Aston Villa have both been contacted for comment.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's second goal with Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins' brace off the bench sent Aston Villa home happy
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The scenes at full-time did little to diminish the delight of the away side, who have now racked up a joint club record of 11 straight wins in all competitions. Villa sit third in the Premier League, one point behind Manchester City in second and three adrift of leaders Arsenal, who they face on Tuesday.
“I’m very happy and thankful for the supporters because we need them and they are with us, transmitting their energy and we’re here trying to play for them,” Emery said post-match. “How the players responded on the field was really fantastic. In the first half, we struggled.
“We weren’t getting the rhythm to keep ball possession and to try to get to their box frequently, but we needed to defend and we were being brilliant defensively.
Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca was left to reflect on another disappointing result
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“We conceded one goal from the corner, and we needed to change something in the second half but with the same structure we had in the first half. We started getting better and we needed fresh legs, but how we got our momentum, with the players showing their mentality to exploit their qualities, was fantastic.
“To beat Chelsea here is very difficult. We wanted it and we are happy but still keeping balance and trying to get each match with our objective."
By contrast, Enzo Maresca was left to reflect on another disappointing result. Chelsea's form has dipped dramatically and they are now 10 points behind Villa.
"I think the goal we conceded was the turning point," Maresca said. "Until the goal we conceded, that is around one hour, we were completely in control of the game.
"Again, it's something that is not the first time that happened. And when we concede a goal, even if we are winning and we concede a goal, we struggle a little bit with the management of the game. And it's something that for sure we need to improve."
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