London –
Chelsea forced to swallow a bitter pill by his guests, Aston Villain extension Premier League. Even though they were ahead, Chelsea finally had to give up with a score of 1-2.
Duel Chelsea vs Aston Villa took place at Stamford Bridge Stadium on Sunday (28/12) early morning WIB. The Blues totally dominated the first half then took the lead thanks to Joao Pedro‘s goal.
The situation changed in the second half of the game. Aston Villa substitute Ollie Watkins performed brilliantly after scoring two goals which ensured his team’s victory.
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These results are confirming the Villans in third place in the standings with 39 points. Chelsea slipped to fifth position with 29 points, three points behind Liverpool (4) and overshadowed by Manchester United (6) who have the same number of points.
The Course of the Match
Chelsea immediately spread threats when the game had only been running for two minutes. Moses Caicedo’s pass to Cole Palmer on the edge of the penalty box was followed up with a volley. The ball is still off the mark.
Another new opportunity was born after 18 minutes of play. Palmer’s stab through Villa’s midfield ended with a pass to Alejandro Garnacho. The last player passed to Enzo Fernandez who was standing free. Fernandez’s shot went wide.
Emiliano Martinez made a good save to deny Joao Pedro. Afterwards the referee rejected Chelsea’s penalty claim following Victor Lindelof’s challenge on Joao Pedro.
Chelsea almost opened the scoring. Marc Cucurella’s cross was headed by Pedro Neto, the ball was continued by Reece James with a low shot even though it still missed the goal.
Joao Pedro broke Chelsea’s deadlock in the 37th minute. Starting from a corner kick on the right wing, Reece James’ cross slid into the 6 yard box. The ball hits Joao Pedro to beat Emiliano Martinez’s guard.
Chelsea 1, Aston Villa 0.
Chelsea’s lead almost increased before halftime. Cole Palmer stood free on the edge of the penalty box, then took a hard kick but the ball went to Martinez.
After the restart, Chelsea claimed another penalty after Garnacho’s crossing ball hit Ian Maatsen’s arm. The referee only pointed to a corner and a VAR check confirmed the decision was correct.
Aston Villa finally took a shot. Morgan Rogers fired a long-range shot, the ball went narrowly wide of the left side of the Chelsea goal.
John McGinn made a super vital interception to prevent Chelsea from adding to their goal. Palmer fired a cross from the right, McGinn swept the ball beyond the goal line before the ball reached Garnacho.
Aston Villa’s counterattack troubled Chelsea. Boubacar Kamara’s collaboration with substitute Ollie Watkins forced Robert Sanchez to leave his nest to clear the ball.
Aston Villa finally scored a goal in the 63rd minute. Watkins found the back of the Chelsea goal to make it 1-1.
Aston Villa confiscated the ball controlled by Badiashile. Rogers sent a through ball to Watkins, who continued with a low kick. The ball hit Sanchez but it was too heavy so it lodged in the Chelsea goal.
In the midst of the game’s tension starting to decline, Aston Villa hit Chelsea. Watkins scored his second goal and gave Villa a 2-1 lead.
From a corner kick on the right wing, Watkins headed the ball into the top corner of the Chelsea goal. Robert Sanchez couldn’t reach the ball.
Aston Villa continued to press but Sanchez countered a number of opportunities. The goalkeeper slipped while carrying the ball so it fell outside the penalty box. Aston Villa gets a free kick in a dangerous position.
Lucas Digne fired a shot straight at goal, Sanchez was still able to anticipate the ball. The match ended, the score was 2-1 in favor of Aston Villa remaining.
Lineup
CHELSEA: Robert Sanchez, Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Chalobah, Cucurella (Malo Gusto 69′), Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo, Garnacho (Gittens 69′), Palmer (Estevao 72′), Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro (Delap 69′)
ASTTON VILA: Emi Marine, Matty Cash, Matty Cash, Lideof, Ezri Konsen (Digg 83,’ Maleni (Sanach 59′)
(also/mrp)
