Aston Villa vs Chelsea ends in a comfortable win for Blues with Enzo Fernandez’s Resilient Display
Aston Villa vs Chelsea: An Overview
Premier League sides Aston Villa and Chelsea were drawn against each other in the 4th Round of the FA Cup. They initially faced off at Stamford Bridge on January 27, with the game ending in a goalless draw, thus forcing a replay.
Villa entered this contest on the back of a mixed run of form after doing so well towards the end of 2023. They had won just four of their previous 10 games across competitions, with the other results being two defeats and four draws. Their last two games were a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Newcastle United, followed by a 5-0 thumping of Sheffield United in the Premier League. Unai Emery and his men were keen to make amends in the cup.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are finally showing semblance of a team looking to compete at the top. They had won five of their 10 games prior to this one, with the other results being four defeats and one draw. The Blues had a poor week heading into this fixture as well, losing 4-1 at Liverpool before losing 4-2 to Wolves at home – their first-ever defeat against them at Stamford Bridge. Mauricio Pochettino, too, had a task at hand as he looked to take the team into the 5th Round.
However, Villa were slight favourites heading into this contest due to home advantage.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Match Report & Analysis
Chelsea secured a rather composed, yet surprising 3-1 win against Aston Villa to knock them out and progress to the next round. They will now host Leeds United in the 5th Round on February 29.
The Blues made a strong start to the game and opened the scoring just 11 minutes in. Noni Madueke showed great awareness in the box as he laid the ball off perfectly to Conor Gallagher, who scored his first of the season in style with a thumping finish into the top-left corner. Malo Gusto then provided Nicolas Jackson with an assist to make it 2-0 just 10 minutes later.
With 56% possession in the first period, Chelsea attempted nine shots with five on target. Villa had six attempts with three on target, bringing Dorde Petrovic into action for three good saves.
Enzo Fernandez tripled his team’s lead nine minutes after the restart, scoring a lovely free-kick in the 54th minute to make it 3-0. The Blues were happy to sit back and concede possession after that with a three-goal cushion to sit on.
Jacob Ramsey and Moussa Diaby combined for a late goal in the 91st minute but it was mere consolation for Aston Villa with barely a couple minutes remaining after the goal. The game ended in a 3-1 win for the visitors. And on that note, let’s take a look at the top performers.
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Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Top Performers
Conor Gallagher (8/10)
Gallagher had a great game on a personal as well as team level. He opened the scoring in the 11th minute and set the tone in midfield with his passing and movement. He passed the ball with 90% accuracy, including two key passes and one long ball. He also won five duels and made two tackles in the process.
Gallagher also made an impact carrying the ball completing two dribbles and also attempting two shots on target. His presence in Chelsea’s midfield made it easier for them to take control of the game.
Nicolas Jackson (7.5/10)
Jackson had a good game and made an impact with and without the ball at his feet. He made a crucial run in the build-up to the Blues’ opening goal to create the chance. He then followed it up with a smart finish to make it 2-0 just 10 minutes later.
The Senegalese forward passed the ball with 86% accuracy, including four key passes. He won five duels, making two interceptions and one tackle. Jackson completed one dribble and also scored with his only shot on target in a solid performance.
Moussa Diaby (7/10)
Diaby was the lone shining spark in a lacklustre Aston Villa frontline, that too having come on as a substitute 72 minutes into the game. He passed the ball with 89% accuracy, including one key pass. Diaby also won one duel and made one tackle. He scored a late consolation goal for his side to end the game on a positive personal note.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Match Point
The Blues took the initiative in the first half and looked determined to go ahead and were duly rewarded for their intent. They also did not seem content with a one or two goal lead, scoring a delightful third goal via Enzo Fernandez from a free-kick.
Overall, Chelsea were set up to score and to play fearless football without worrying about the outcome. That was visible in their body language and they looked in control throughout the game. Additionally, Villa also seemed a bit jaded after a congested schedule in the last few weeks.
Pochettino’s men fully deserved their win and will look to make a deep run into the competition this time around.
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