Aston Villa came from behind to take all three points against Chelsea at Villa Park.
It was a slow start from the hosts, with Enzo Fernandez putting the visitors in the lead from a Pedro Neto cutback.
However, Marco Asensio equalised after the break, bundling in from Marcus Rashford’s cross. With the game heading for a draw, Villa’s on-loan duo combined again as Rashford crossed for Asensio, who volleyed under Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who should have done better.
It was another costly mistake from a Chelsea goalkeeper, leaving Maresca’s side with four defeats in their last five games across all competitions.
However, it was a much needed boost for Villa, as Unai Emery’s side secured their first Premier League win since January. The Villans are next in action on Tuesday night when they play Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park
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Aston Villa Player Ratings
Emiliano Martinez - 6
Martinez was immediately called into action and delivered a solid display overall with a few nice saves. However, he should have reacted quicker to deny Fernandez’s early strike.
Matty Cash – 5
The full-back struggled defensively as Cucurella and Fernandez overloaded his area, with the latter scoring early on.
Cash offered very little going forward as he was primarily occupied with defensive duties.
Ezri Konsa – 7
The centre-back showed good moments composure in the early stages despite Chelsea’s pressing but was occasionally caught out of position.
Konsa was also often tested by Pedro Neto's pace in behind in the first half, but did relatively well.
Tyrone Mings – 6
Engaged in a tough battle with Pedro Neto and had mixed success, though he remained dominant in aerial and ground duels.
The 31-year-old picked up an injury after the restart but managed to continue.
Ian Maatsen – 4
The Dutchman was beaten far too easily in the lead-up to Chelsea’s opening goal up against Neto 1v1. Overall, struggled to stake a claim for the left-back spot.
A below-par performance, particularly against his former club.
Youri Tielemans – 6
Tasked with controlling the midfield, Tielemans contributed well in possession. Though lacking mobility, his technical ability helped Villa remain competitive in the latter stages of the game.
John McGinn – 8
Committed in his efforts and got the better of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in ground/aerial duels. A performance the Villa faithful will be proud of.
Morgan Rogers – 6
Deployed in a less familiar role behind Watkins, therefore limiting his attacking impact. Showed flashes of quality in tight spaces, but found opportunities hard to come by.
Marco Asensio – 9
The loanee initially struggled with the physicality of his battle against Caicedo, but his class shone through when it mattered most. Scored twice to turn the game around and proved decisive.
Jacob Ramsey – 4
The winger found it difficult to make an impact in attack and was substituted at half-time.
Ollie Watkins – 5
The Englishman got in behind Chelsea's leaky defence on a couple occasions and had a shot which was well saved by Jorgensen. Not necessarily a performance to remember for Watkins.
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Substitutes
Marcus Rashford – 8
Introduced at the break with a point to prove and he proved to be an instant threat after grabbing his first assist in a Villa strip. Produced another assist for Asensio just before full-time.
Lamare Bogarde – 6
No Pau Torres meant that Emery leant on Bogarde when Mings went down injured and came off about 10 minutes later. Defended well and produced a brilliant tackle on Neto to prevent a clear-cut opportunity.
Leon Bailey – 4
Back in the fold after an injury had ruled him out, the tricky Jamaican rarely had the ball.
Donyell Malen – 5
Yet another recent addition looking to make his mark, Malen missed a gilt-edged chance late on. The resultant corner ended in the winner, though.
Andres Garcia – N/A




