CHELSEA went some way to answering their critics as they swept Aston Villa aside 3-1 tonight.
The Blues came into the game at Villa Park off the back of consecutive convincing defeats to Liverpool and Wolves.
But Mauricio Pochettino will have bought himself more time after they beat the Premier League’s 4th placed side convincingly to move into the FA Cup’s fifth round.
Chelsea were dominant from the start against the Villains as they ripped the form back up.
It was Conor Gallagher who opened the scoring in the 11th minute, which was soon followed up with a goal from Nicolas Jackson ten minutes later.
Enzo Fernandez put the tie beyond doubt in the 54th minute with a brilliant curled free-kick past his compatriot Emi Martinez.
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The goal was clearly a significant one for Enzo, who removed his shirt and held it up to the away fans to show he was a player that is here to stay.
Both he and Moises Caicedo were forced to delete their social media accounts earlier this week but responded emphatically and both put in excellent performances.
Here’s how the Chelsea players rated…
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DJORDJE PETROVIC – 6
Well positioned for routine stops from Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins and John McGinn in first half. Didn’t have a save to make in second before late Villa consolation.
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MALO GUSTO – 8
Recovered well from shaky start in defence to become one of stars of first half. Full of running, his superb cross created second goal.
AXEL DISASI – 8
After the early scares, didn’t have a lot to do in the first half. Or in the second until excellent block on McGinn shot and tackle on Jacob Ramsey.
BENOIT BADIASHILE – 7
Gave Mrs Silva no reason to complain that her husband had been dropped, handling Watkins well and avoiding repeat of recent gaffes.
BEN CHILWELL – 7
A bit disappointing going forward but solid at the back as Leon Bailey and the rest of the Villa attack barely got a look in.
MOISES CAICEDO – 9
This was more like it from the £1billion man, or whatever he cost. Brave, strong, clever. You never know, It could catch on.
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 9
Less eye-catching than Caicedo until his brilliant free kick made it three, but also played a big role in nullifying Villa’s much-heralded midfield.
NONI MADUEKE – 7
Teed up Gallagher well for opening goal and posed a threat with direct running. Final pass or shot often lacking, though.
NICOLAS JACKSON – 7
His run and deflected pass led to opener. Touch of fortune about his header for the second, too, Ran out of steam second half.
COLE PALMER – 6
Worked hard and tried to make things happen, but still not quite the player who forced his way into the England reckoning.
CONOR GALLAGHER – 8
Played as striker for much of game and took his goal like one. Still popped up all over pitch. Homegrown heartbeat of the team.
SUBSTITUTES
RAHEEM STERLING (for Madueke, 75mins) – 6
Had little time or need to make an impact but kept Villa honest with energy.
THIAGO SILVA (for Palmer, 81) – 6
Brought on to see the game out in a back five and made late headed clearance.
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ALFIE GILCHRIST (for Badiashile, 88) – 5
Frenchman took a knock so Academy product filled in.
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Jackson, 88) – 5
Token appearance for the forward as the game petered out.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
