Chelsea's chances of making the European spots faltered again as they came away from Villa Park with just the one point.
It was an interesting encounter that certainly didn't lack entertainment throughout both halves. Chelsea struggled to sustain attacks in the first half, going two-nil down before the break.
A complacent and rather passive showing from Aston Villa in the second half eventually backfired, as Chelsea clawed their way back into the game.
Goals from Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher were pivotal as the Blues simply couldn't afford to lose just days after the humiliation suffered at the Emirates.
VAR produced more drama in the dying seconds of the game. Axel Disasi netted a winner which was ruled out due to an apparent nudge from Benoit Badiashile on centre-back Diego Carlos in the build-up to the goal.
Aston Villa's hopes of finishing in the top four still remain in the balance, with Tottenham Hotspur currently below by seven points but with three games in hand.
Here are four things we learnt from yesterday's draw.
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Chelsea's defensive frailties continue to show
Chelsea now reflect on 59 goals conceded in the league this season, which is 12 more than the tally recorded throughout the whole of last season (47).
Mauricio Pochettino's side continue to score freely but should Chelsea fail to make the European spots, they'll only have themselves to blame for their defensive woes.
The lack of defensive solidity may well be down to numerous factors - injuries, lack of experience and defensive structure among others.
However, the manner in which they conceded the two goals yesterday - an own goal from Marc Cucurella and the second coming from Morgan Rogers when afforded tons of space and time to beat Djordje Petrovic at his near post, is what Chelsea fans have been used to seeing all throughout the season.
Pochettino may well point the finger on injuries with Trevoh Chalobah filling in at right-back.
Yet if Mauricio Pochettino is to remain in the job for next season, the defensive structure will certainly have to improve regardless of personnel.
They have failed to keep a clean sheet away from home since the start of October.
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Noni Madueke's time to shine?
Cole Palmer has been arguably the only headline grabber for Chelsea throughout the season, however Noni Madueke certainly hasn't failed to show his potential within recent months.
A lovely goal away at Sheffield United in early April followed up by another promising showing yesterday where he picked up a goal and an assist.
The Englishman's persistence to hold width yet drive 1v1 against the full-back was a pattern throughout the Aston Villa clash. His pace and tenacity made it difficult for Lucas Digne who struggled to contain such a threat.
Madueke scored what proved to be a much needed goal in Chelsea's surge of a comeback and picked up an assist for Gallagher who later equalised.
It's four goals in eight starts for the winger who will look to continue his form, in hope of Blues fans moving on from the penalty scene he and Nicolas Jackson created just weeks ago.
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VAR continues to show no sign of consistency
Yesterday's encounter saw a late disallowed goal which came much to the frustration of Chelsea fans. Axel Disasi scored what may well have been the winner, had it not been ruled out for a nudge from Benoit Badiashile on substitute Diego Carlos.
Craig Pawson initially let the goal stand and it wasn't followed up by any complaints from the Villans. The goal was later ruled out but speculation continues to mount as to how the nudge was deemed 'clear and obvious'.
Chelsea fans didn't take long to call out the inconsistency from VAR on social media, linking the contrast to their clash against Manchester City recently in the FA Cup. The ball had clearly hit the arm of Jack Grealish in an unnatural position, yet it wasn't deemed to be 'clear and obvious'.
Fine margins are what makes the difference and had the goal stood yesterday, Chelsea would have took home the three points and still have a strong chance in finishing within the European spots.
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Martinez sub damaged Villa's confidence
Villa looked the more potent side in the first half and had a strong foothold in the game, but an enforced change at half-time saw World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez forced off for Robin Olsen.
Martinez's composure with the ball at his feet when playing out the back, let alone his shot-stopping ability, has shown to be vital for Aston Villa under Unai Emery.
It came as no surprise to see the hosts drop deeper and regroup in transition in the second half. Villa struggled to maintain possession and build patterns of play which allowed Chelsea to sustain attacks, creating uncertainty within Villa's backline.
Olsen did fine when he came on, but the confidence Argentina’s number one brings them was sorely missed.
