Chelsea have reportedly launched an investigation after a plastic bottle was allegedly hurled towards the Aston Villa bench after their 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening. The visitors continued their impressive run, staging another comeback to secure a league victory just as they had in their previous four Premier League away matches. Substitute Ollie Watkins scored twice in the second half, ensuring Villa's 11th successive win across all competitions.
The match was tainted by moments of ill temper, with eight yellow cards issued and Villa's set-piece coach Austin MacPhee also receiving a booking late in the game. More tempers flared at the final whistle when a plastic bottle was allegedly thrown towards the Villa bench, soaking some staff members.
The incident sparked visible outrage among some Villa staff, and according to The Telegraph, one member seemed to suggest that the object had been thrown from the Chelsea dugout area, although this is yet to be confirmed.
Chelsea have reportedly pledged full cooperation with Villa and any relevant authorities to determine exactly where the bottle came from. CCTV footage is expected to be examined as part of the investigation.
The Football Association, who would shoulder any disciplinary action if required, are believed to be aware of the allegations.
Despite the post-match scenes, the away team's joy was undiminished, having equalled a club record with 11 consecutive victories in all competitions.
Villa currently sit third in the Premier League, trailing Manchester City by a single point and three points behind leaders Arsenal, whom they meet on Tuesday.
Emery expressed his gratitude to the fans after the match: "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,".
He acknowledged the team's initial struggles: "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."
Reflecting on the game's turning point, he said: "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."
Emery also recognised the significance of the victory: "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."
On the other hand, Enzo Maresca was left to ponder another disappointing outcome. Chelsea's performance has taken a significant downturn, leaving them trailing Villa by 10 points.
"I think the goal we conceded was the turning point," Maresca reflected. "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."