Aston Villa fell to a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, ending a four-game unbeaten run and piling more pressure on Steven Gerrard in the process.
There were encouraging signs in the first half as Villa created a number of dangerous openings, but a combination of great saves from Kepa Arrizabalaga and some poor finishing ensured that we didn’t make the most of those spells on top.
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A costly mistake from Tyrone Mings saw Chelsea break the deadlock early on, and while the reaction to that opening goal was positive, it wasn’t as good after Mason Mount’s second.
Villa were less of a threat in the second half and Gerrard’s substitutions didn’t impact the game in a positive way, and so now time will tell whether or not he gets another game at Fulham on Thursday to turn it around or if this is ultimately the end of the road for him as Villa boss.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Chelsea
Emiliano Martinez, 5 – Made some decent stops throughout and could do little after the error from Mings put Mount in for the opening goal. However, will be disappointed he didn’t do better for the second as he misjudged the flight of the ball for Mount’s free-kick as the movement deceived him.
Matty Cash, 6 – Lost Sterling a couple of times which could have been costly, but overall defended well. Got forward in the first half to add a threat down the right side but that was less so the case after the break.
Ezri Konsa, 6.5 – Did well throughout as he defended resolutely when called into action and made big interventions at key moments with Sterling in particular threatening.
Tyrone Mings, 4.5 – A decent display in general but was ruined by the big mistake that led to the opening Chelsea goal in the opening stages. Completely misjudged the ball and his clearing header put Mount in to finish and then gave away the free-kick for the second.
Ashley Young, 7 – A committed and tidy performance from the veteran in both phases of the game. Carried out his defensive duties well for the most part and tried to add width on the left flank whenever possible. It shouldn’t be on him to create our big opportunities though.
Jacob Ramsey, 5.5 – Showed a good burst of pace and movement at times as he threatened when pushing forward into the Chelsea half, but we need more from him both in creating chances and adding a goal threat.
Douglas Luiz, 5.5 – Kept things simple as he helped us tick along in midfield but without ever really taking full command of the game and showing his technical quality and creative ability to make things happen in our attacking play. Did have a couple attempts from distance though.
John McGinn, 5 – Showed glimpses but should have squared it instead of shooting himself in the first half as Kepa kept him out. Did his usual job off the ball as his work ethic and commitment is unquestionable, but doesn’t match it with enough quality.
Leon Bailey, 6 – Another player who showed flashes as he went close with a header early on which hit the crossbar and used his pace and movement well to cause Chilwell problems. Questionable decision to take him off, but perhaps more to do with his fitness levels having recovered from an issue in midweek.
Danny Ings, 5.5 – Showed good intent and urgency from the off as he lead the line and was denied by an excellent Kepa. Did well in the first half but couldn’t have the same impact after the break.
Ollie Watkins, 5 – Looked more of a threat on the left wing as we used his movement and pace well, but he just isn’t in form in front of goal and is struggling for both confidence and goals.
Substitutions:
Emiliano Buendia, 5 – Tried to make things happen after coming on but couldn’t have a decisive impact.
Philippe Coutinho, 5 – Introduced not long after Buendia but similarly couldn’t make the difference in the final third.
Leander Dendoncker, N/A
