Joao Pedro scored a hat-trick as Chelsea came from behind to beat Aston Villa 4-1 at Villa Park, closing in on Champions League qualification.
Douglas Ruiz’s early goal might have been hoped to ease Villa’s recent poor form, but his fellow Brazilian scored twice before the interval and Cole Palmer doubled Chelsea’s advantage early in the second half.
When Joao Pedro scored a hat-trick, there was no turning back for Unai Emery’s side. Villa may point to Ollie Watkins’ goal being disallowed for offside in the first half, but Liam Rosenior’s side actually played smarter throughout and deserved a big win.
As a result, Chelsea have surpassed Liverpool to move into fifth place, and although they remain in fourth place with a three-point difference from Aston Villa, they have only won one of their last seven games. The battle for Champions League participation is heating up.
Best Player: João Pedro
Joao Pedro looks on after giving Chelsea a 2-1 lead at Villa Park
Even before this performance, Joao Pedro had equaled his best goals tally in a league season, equaling his total of 11 goals in the Championship with Watford. This hat-trick took his tally of Premier League goals for Chelsea to 14. he was really great.
The Brazilian forward’s classy hold-up play and ability to drift around the pitch have often seen him characterized as both a No. 9 and a No. 10, but what was impressive about this performance for Aston Villa was his movement inside the penalty box.
Elusive in this region, these were the target of poachers. And his finish oozed quality. The contrast was stark, with Ollie Watkins struggling to find his best form in front of goal at the other end of the pitch. A difference-maker up front for Chelsea.
Rosenior praised that aspect of his performance for being present in the box. “His left-footed goals are world class, but I’m happy with his two tap-ins because he was in the right place at the right time and we worked hard for that.”
Rosenior is satisfied with the response
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior was asked in a press conference if it was a perfect night:
“We could have kept it clean, but it was a really good night. I’m very proud of them today. We took some kicks, but we talked about trying to be positive.”
Chelsea did just that, with their head coach pointing out that his side were denied a penalty when Reece James went down under a challenge from Ian Maassen, saying: “I don’t understand why they didn’t get a penalty. It was a clear penalty on Reece.”
Speaking about the significance of the win, Rosenior said: “It only makes sense if we back it up. We have to be consistent. We have a big game in the FA Cup, then a big game in Paris and then Newcastle. If we can perform at that level, we will be in a good position.”
Asked if the defeat had extinguished any hope of catching Villa, he added: “It would not have extinguished it. It’s not just Aston Villa that we’re behind and chasing. It wouldn’t have extinguished, but obviously tonight I’m more than happy that we weren’t nine points down.”
Chelsea show true quality
Even in the loss to Arsenal, Chelsea hinted at their long-term potential by leveling with the Premier League leaders and outscoring their own side for a period in the second half. Too often small details and indiscipline were their undoing.
“This game will be decided in a split second,” Rosenior said before kickoff. He took the decision to drop Robert Sanchez, who had a poor performance against the Gunners, and brought in Filip Jorgensen, who had performed well. His players were decisive for him on the pitch.
Joao Pedro has been the star, but when Chelsea are in good form and confidence is growing, this young team has the makings to create something special. The three-game winless streak came to a spectacular end. Now they have to make it count and move forward.
Emery: We’re in a bad time.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery told TNT:
“We are in a bad period right now, a bad period. Chelsea are very happy and deserve the win. We can understand the situation. Overall, we are still three points behind. Well, at the moment we are not consistent.”
“In 29 games we are better than them. Today is not the case. Now it’s time to find solutions and try to get back to good form and feeling in everything. We need to work for a few days and get back the balance, which we haven’t been able to do before.”
“We have to fight for the next two months with the goal of how to get back in our system. We are doing something wrong in our system right now. We are not as strong as we were before. That is my concern right now and I will share it with the players. There is still time to get it back.”
Villa’s season begins to end
Aston Villa have been wobbling for some time, but never this season have they been torn to shreds like they did against Chelsea. Joao Pedro moved too well in the first half, and Emery’s high line was completely exposed in the second half.
Chelsea’s expected goals conceded total of 3.92 is the best Villa have conceded in a Premier League home game under a Spanish manager, and the highest under any manager since losing to Leicester in 2019. On a big night for the team, they fell apart.
There is still time to recapture what was a successful season and Emery’s passionate defense this season still rings true after Friday’s defeat to Wolves. They are in fourth place and one of the favorites to win the Europa League. However, this poor form cannot be ignored.
