Aston Villa emerged victorious to record back-to-back league wins at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1933. Ollie Watkins goal in the second-half the difference.
Let’s hear the fans’ post-match thoughts about the players’ individual performances.
Contributions from: Ryan Mckeown, Gary Plaza, and, Ivan McDouall.
EMILIANO MARTÍNEZ – 9
“Emilino put in a world-class display to claim his second clean sheet of the season. Made crucial saves at crucial moments in the game. Big players turn up on the big stage; Martinez is that player”.
Contribution from: Ryan Mckeown
MATTY CASH – 8
“It was so good to see Cash start again today. Thursday showed a lack of depth at RB, where Chambers seemed to lack the level we need now. Energetic throughout, and we come to expect He got forward on so many occasions; however, I would prefer him to try crossing more and not shooting from all angles. Chelsea countered well, and Chilwell did get in behind, but Martinez was there to make a superb stop.”
Contribution from: Gary Plaza
PAU TORRES – 8
“Pau recovered from a early wayward ball (on this weaker foot) that gifted Chelsea possession in a dangerous area. Settled as Chelsea, and in particular Sterling, looked to get in behind Digne and Torres, but, although there were a few scares Pau managed the threat well”
Contribution from: Ryan Mckeown
EZRI KONSA – 9
“It was a solid first half as Villa caught Chelsea offside six times. The whole defence looked well organised and ‘as one’ given some of the trauma over the past away games. Konsa played a big part in matching Jackson’s pace when some high-line issues emerged in the second half. Importantly determined block to deny Palmer late on.”
Contribution from: Ivan McDouall.
LUCAS DIGNE – 7.5
“Much better today from Digne. He was solid defensively against Sterling, who is still one of the PL elite. Close to scoring an absolute worldie, but Sanchez tipped his effort over. I think there is still another level he can hit, and I’m sure we’ll see it in a Villa shirt this season.”
Contribution from: Gary Plaza
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DOUGLAS LUIZ – 7
“Luiz couldn’t get going in the first half and continued to struggle to make an impact. Imagine a midweek rest. Shows how far he has come when judged to have a quiet team. Still better than anything Chelsea had on show.”
Contribution from: Ivan McDouall.
BOUBACAR KAMARA – 9
“Outstanding in the first 45, with some vital actions to break up Chelsea’s forward movement and threat. A better link back to his defence and a clear step up from recent weeks Close to assisting Zaniolo in the first half. He continued where he left off after the break—the best performance of the season so far. Needed.”
Dendoncker 90′: N/A
Contribution from: Ivan McDouall.
JOHN MCGINN – 7.5
“After a couple of below-par performances, McGinn really showed up today. Covered so much ground and battled more than usual. There was no easy eye work, just pure grafting. Replaced for fresh legs later in the game.”
Ramsey 75′: Covering run and block, albeit a painful block, was fantastic to see. We have missed him in recent weeks, and it’s great to see him in action. Unlucky not to score when found by Bailey.Expect a start against Everton in midweek. 7
Contribution from: Gary Plaza
NICOLO ZANIOLO – 7.5
“I really like what I see with Zaniolo. Linked up play so well and seems to have built a good understanding early on with Digne.Always looking to beat his man and get the ball in the box. A fantastic volley was tipped over by Sanchez. I can see his first Villa goal coming next week against Brighton.”
Bailey 75′: His only real action when he came on was abruptly ended by the incompetent ref, who called the play back when the advantage put him clear on goal. Some smart footwork and a fantastic pass put Ramsey through, but he saw his effort tipped wide. 7
Contribution from: Gary Plaza
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MOUSSA DIABY – 7
“Villa lost possession a lot in the first half which essentially neutered Diaby’s threat as Villa couldn’t make an impact in the final third. When it mattered though, a fine assist for Watkins’ goal. Always a threat on the counter – with every game seems a standout signing“.
Tielemans 81′: introduced for ball rentention to see out the game. Did that. 7
Contribution from: Ivan McDouall.
OLLIE WATKINS – 8
“The point of difference”
Durán 91′ – N/A
Contribution from: Ryan Mckeown
Subs not used: Olsen, Chambers, Lenglet, Kellyman.
THE OPPOSITION
Chelsea: Sánchez, Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill, Caicedo (Broja 79′), Gallagher, Sterling, Fernández (Palmer 68′), Mudryk (Chilwell 61′), Jackson (Ugochukwu 68′).
Subs: Bergström, Cucurella, Petrovic, Maatsen, Washington.
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