Chelsea answered their critics in the best possible way following their tough run of form with a 4-1 win against fellow Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa.
Joao Pedro was the star of the show for the Blues. His hat-trick sent Liam Rosenior’s side on their way to a dominant victory at Villa Park.
There was a much-needed goal in a big game for Cole Palmer too, and some of his interplay were signs of him returning to his best.
How many Premier League goals will Joao Pedro finish the season with? ⚽️
His hat-trick at Villa Park takes him to 14!
Chelsea's Brazilian striker #20 Joao Pedro scores
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
The Chelsea Chronicle have handed out player ratings for the Blues from their big win, with a 10/10 going to Pedro up front.
Filip Jorgensen – 7/10
Given just his second Premier League start, Filip Jorgensen showed there is still plenty of competition in this Chelsea squad for the number one jersey.
Malo Gusto – 6/10
Started incredibly shakily, however found his footing and provided a brilliant assist for Chelsea’s first goal.
Wesley Fofana – 6/10
Can be accused of going down softly to allow Ollie Watkins a free run at goal, however got away with it.
Trevoh Chalobah – 7/10
Did really well on a number of occasions to deny Watkins, and was certainly the better of the two centre-backs on the pitch.
Jorrel Hato – 7/10
Really impressive defensive performance from Jorrel Hato, who looks a completely different player from the one who has hooked at half-time against West Ham.
Reece James – 8/10
Saw a mistake bailed out by a narrow VAR offside call, but outside of that played the quarterback role to perfection. Constantly got Chelsea’s widemen in behind.
Aston Villa v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Moises Caicedo – 6/10
Was a key reason why Chelsea were able to win the midfield battle in this one, dominating duels as we have become very used to seeing.
Enzo Fernandez – 7/10
Back in a more central position, it is no surprise that Enzo Fernandez had far more of an impact on proceedings. This has to be the role Rosenior continues to use him in going forwards.
Cole Palmer – 8/10
Scored at the perfect time for Chelsea in the second half to give them some breathing room, and looked fluid playing across the attack for the Blues.
Alejandro Garnacho – 9/10
Really promising performance from Alejandro Garnacho, who took his chance in the absence of Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian.
Was a problem for Matty Cash until he was hooked at half-time, and set up Pedro perfectly for his hat-trick goal.
Joao Pedro – 10/10
Made it eight goals in six games with a superb hat-trick, and is finally answering Chelsea’s call for a prolific goalscorer. They haven’t had one since Diego Costa.
Romeo Lavia – 6/10
Slotted into the middle of the park seamlessly when all Chelsea needed to do was retain possession.
Marc Cucurella – 6/10
Turned into one of Chelsea’s attacking threats late on. Should have registered an assist for Garnacho but the Argentine couldn’t convert.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6/10
Brought late defensive security to a side who had dealt with nearly everything Villa had thrown at them, even if it wasn’t a lot.
Liam Delap – N/A
Andrey Santos – N/A
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox