
Aston Villa came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in Villa Park and to keep their Champions League-Hoop alive.
The side of Unai Emery hit the back after just nine minutes when Enzo Fernandez returned the cross of Pedro Neto.
Marcus Rashford came from the bank to replace Jacob Ramsey during the break and he turned out to be crucial when he prepared the Close Cine finish of Marcos Asensio for the hour.
And it was the same combination that Villa deserved the victory as Rashford's Cross was driven home by Asensio in the last minute.
Villa moved to the seventh with the victory and are only two points behind fourth place in Manchester City, who played one game less.
Tom Collomosse from Mail Sport was in Villa Park and he rated both sets of players below …
Aston Villa (4-4-1-1)
Emiliano Martinez 6
Neto's Cross flew past him in front of the opener, allowing Fernandez to convert into the six-year box. Slipped and was lucky not to give in to Palmer for a second. Otherwise solid.
Matty Cash 5
He did not know if he should mark Fernandez or Nunku for the opener and none of them marked. A shaky display on his return to the starting XI.
Ezri Konsa 7.5
This front of Mobile Chelsea would offer a work for most defenses, but Konsa got up pretty well and cleared the line from Palmer as time was over.
Tyrone Mings 6
Two important interventions in the beginning to refuse Neto, although he looked vulnerable when the Portugal approached him. Were wounded early in the second half.
Ian Maatsen 5.5
Too easily defeated by Neto for the opener of Chelsea and did not make the best of his possibilities to attack links. Expect that Lucas Digne will return soon.
Morgan Rogers 6.5
He has been pushed to the right to accommodate Asensio and it can make him less effective. Much better after the break when he can float inside. Subbed shortly after a serious challenge from Nunku.
John McGinn 6.5
Struggled to first find his position, which means that Fernandez found way too much space. Then he found his rhythm to ensure that Caicedo could not all have his own way. Booked.
Youri Tielemans 6.5
His sloppy death was out of character early on and summarized Villas struggles in that phase of the game. Then grew more in it.
Jacob Ramsey 6
He can be a dangerous attacking midfielder, both with and without the ball and we have not seen enough for the break. Replaced by Rashford during the break.
Marco Asensio 7.5
Although the Spaniard is a super technician, he offers little defensive and that gave Villa an early problem. However, what does it matter if you score two vital goals?
Ollie Watkins 6
Looked insulated for a large part of the game that he tested Jorgensen at his nearby post and went close twice. Immersed.
Subs
Marcus Rashford 7.5
At the peace for Ramsey, he showed impressive athletics to turn the ball back for the equalizer and also to set up the winner for Asensio. Concludes.
Lamare Bogarde 6
Step in for the wounded Mings and almost gave away a golden chance when a mixture with Konsa Neto could have let in. Could have been a late fine.
Andres Garcia 6
Replace in cash on right back halfway through the second half.
Leon Bailey 6
Become a member of the promotion with Malen when Villa tried to find a winner.
Donyell Malen 6
Standed up for the humping Rogers and took the place of Watkins as the central attacker of Villa. Missed a great late chance.
Chelsea (4-3-3)
Filip Jorgensen 5
Well saved from Watkins at the nearby pole, but he fluttered at a Moonsen Cross. Crucial late stop from Malen spoiled by his hobel for the winner.
Malo Gusto 6.5
Found space to cross for a Fernandez header that flew just wide. Full of energy although often inaccurate in both attack and defense.
Trevoh Chalobah 6
Less less than eight minutes lasted because he was injured in a struggle with Asensio and had to be replaced by Tosin Adarabioyo.
Levi Colwill 7.5
Got up well in the first half, won important challenges in the air and made good work of dealing with Watkins.
Marc Cucurella 6
Made an important block to stop a Watkins shot testing Jorgensen. In general, he went well with the threat of Rogers, but was lucky not to give away a penalty for struggling Bogarde.
Reece James 6.5
James played in an unusual role on the right side of a midfield, James made important contributions without the ball and was generally calm with it.
Moises Caicedo 7
Playing at the base of midfield, he was allowed to run the show early while Asensio did not put it under no pressure. However, it was more difficult when McGinn broke at his heels. Booked.
Enzo Fernandez 7
Enjoy themselves enormously in the early stages. With Villa not sure who to mark him, the Argentinian scored the opener and should have had a second. Booked.
Cole Palmer 5.5
Relatively quiet when Chelsea pushed forward, however, was very diligent without the ball, making important interventions when his team was in danger. Bad second half miss.
Pedro Neto 7
By working the middle, he created the goal and tested Villa with his pace and movement, but twice the lead could have double before the home team was right.
Christopher Nunku 6
On the left he played wide on the left and gave the money in the first half and created an opening for Fernandez. Booked for an error on Rogers.
Subs
Tosin Adarabioyo 6.5
Step in for the wounded Chalobah asked and did reasonably well, especially when Villa was the most assertive.
Jadon Sancho 6
Sent for nunku as the Frenchman tired.
Comments