Chelsea rescued their hopes of Champions League qualification with a stunning 4-1 away win at Aston Villa on Wednesday night, and below are five things we learned.
After Liverpool’s defeat to Wolves on Tuesday night, Chelsea had the opportunity to leapfrog Arne Slot’s men into fifth place. The European coefficient looks as if it will award England with an extra position.
Chelsea had to win to resurrect their top-five hopes after two points from their last three games, failing to beat Leeds and Burnley and losing to Arsenal. They did just that, with a thumping 4-1 win at Aston Villa.
Joao Pedro scores a perfect 10, but how would you rate his teammates?
Chelsea player ratings vs Aston Villa
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Joao Pedro scored a hat-trick as Liam Rosenior made some brave decisions. Villa had taken the lead, but Pedro scored three and Cole Palmer was back among the goals. Below, are five things we have learned.
Five things learned as Chelsea hammer Aston Villa to win 4-1
Worried about egos? Rosenior shows bravery in selection
When Rosenior arrived at Chelsea, there was a concern that he would be a yes man. That he wouldn’t have the bravery to make big decisions. The egos in the dressing room would get the better of him.
Well, on Wednesday night, he axed Robert Sanchez, and it was the right move. He brought Wesley Fofana back despite his red card, he put Reece James in midfield, and he started Alejandro Garnacho. It worked.
Aston Villa v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Rosenior is the perfect manager for Joao Pedro
Under Enzo Mareca, Pedro scored seven goals in 28 appearances, laying on four assists. In 12 outings under Rosenior, he has 10 goals and four assists. Clearly, Rosenior is getting the best out of him.
Rosenior has held plenty of meetings with Pedro, and it’s worked. The Brazilian was unplayable on Wednesday night and boy, did it come at the right time. A super hat-trick to secure Chelsea’s win.
Alejandro Garnacho’s best display in a Chelsea shirt
Wow. Rosenior was forced to defend Garnacho in his pre-match press conference, and responded by throwing him into the starting line-up against Villa, replacing Pedro Neto after his red card at Arsenal.
Aston Villa v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Garnacho, however, was immense. The Argentina ace gave Matty Cash a torrid time and was unselfish to hand Pedro a tap-in for his hat-trick. This was arguably Garnacho’s best display in a Chelsea shirt.
Robert Sanchez’s future at Chelsea
A bold move from Rosenior to throw Filip Jorgensen in goal for the clash against Villa, but certainly one fans have been calling for. Sanchez has endured huge criticism following his performance at Arsenal.
Gary Neville even said his heart is in his mouth when Sanchez gets the ball. Jorgensen could do little about Villa’s goal. For Sanchez, it is the beginning of the end. He won’t want to be second choice.
Why has Alejandro Garnacho been such an unpopular signing? 🤯
TalkingPoints user on Alejandro Garnacho
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Malo Gusto redemption after 2023 red card against Aston Villa
Back in 2023, Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, and Malo Gusto was sent off. But tonight, the right-back was superb. Coming in to the side with Reece James in midfield, Gusto was pivotal.
Indeed, it was his assist that got the ball rolling for Chelsea. With Villa protecting their early lead, Gusto’s run, composure and execution got Chelsea back into the game, finding Pedro to score his first goal.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox