Aston Villa – Chelsea: Villa Come From Behind To Compound Blues Woes At Villa Park (2-1)

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea stuttered after taking the lead at Villa Park to succumb to defeat against Aston Villa who were spurred on by Unai Emery’s substitutions. An early goal by Enzo Fernandez was cancelled out by a brace by Marco Asensio as substitute Marcus Rashford provided the impetus with two assists.

Tactical analysis and match report by Gaurav Krishnan.

Enzo Maresca and Chelsea have quickly fallen from the heights of their early explosive start to the season. The Blues started the first half of the season in blistering fashion, even quietly dubbed as dark horses for the Premier League title. But all that fell apart in December and found the club relinquishing their 3rd placed spot to languishing in the same kind of form that typified Maurcio Pochettino’s early reign. 

It was yet another game that embodied the same old story. The Blues took the lead and led the game for 50 minutes before surrendering their lead and losing the game eventually. Going into this game, Maresca’s Blues were looking to undo their recent poor run of form. With just two wins in nine Premier League games going into this away fixture against Villa, Chelsea needed a win to strengthen their race for Champions League qualification. 

However, it was the same old story for the Blues. Chelsea took the lead but couldn’t close out the game, a familiar theme to their recent Premier League fixtures and what is a recurring scenario for Maresca’s men. 

Aston Villa came into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool . . .