Chelsea FC showed a reaction after the 5-0 derby debacle – even though the game got off to the worst possible start with an own goal. An ice-cold Aston Villa had gone in at the break, but the Blues pressed after the break and equalized. A potential winner was prevented by VAR in stoppage time
After the derby humiliation at Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC had another tough task ahead of them: The Blues had to face fourth-placed Aston Villa for their last remaining hope of international football, but were able to rely on goalscorer Palmer, who had been ill recently. Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez’s season was over after groin surgery
Chelsea’s nightmare start – Jackson in bad luck
Saturday evening’s game followed on almost seamlessly from Tuesday. Cucurella scored an own goal after the Villans’ first attack (4th). Digne hit the outside of the net shortly afterwards (8) and Watkins finished too centrally for Petrovic (15). By this stage, however, Chelsea had already established a visual advantage and had plenty of possession, although they were not really dangerous in the final third. That was until a fine Caicedo pass cut a swathe through the defense, but Jackson’s goal was disallowed due to a close offside call (16′).
Jackson was also unlucky shortly afterwards when he headed against the right-hand post (35). The Villans did very little for the game, but stood securely for the most part – and played without frills going forward. Watkins failed to score after a quick move by Petrovic (36′), only six minutes later Rogers had too much space and put the ball into the net to make it 2:0 at the break (42′).
Emiliano Martinez has to go off – Chelsea press for the equalizer
For the second half, Olsen replaced world champion Emiliano Martinez (thigh problem) in the Villa goal – not much happened on the pitch at first. Although the Blues were almost always close to the penalty area, it was a pressing move initiated by Gallagher that brought success: Madueke finished into the far corner for the final goal (62′).
Gallagher strikes perfectly to make it 2:2
The Blues were now more active and pressed for an equalizer, which Olsen prevented with an arm reflex against Madueke (72′). Of course, the Villans now had space to counter-attack, but Bailey missed the decision (73′) – and so the Blues came back. Gallagher flicked a superb shot into the top left-hand corner with his weaker left foot (81′).
Aston Villa now came up with almost nothing – and Chelsea wanted the winning goal. Palmer was denied by Olsen (90.+4) after a poor save from Diego Carlos. But the Blues still had one more chance: after the following corner kick, Badiashile created space for himself by pushing Diego Carlos, Disasi headed the ball into the middle of the goal and it bounced off the crossbar against Olsen’s hand and over the line (90.+5). However, a VAR review interfered with the visitors’ celebrations: in the review area, referee Craig Pawson judged Badiashile’s shove to be a foul – the goal did not count.
The Villans almost scored to make it 3-2, but substitute Duran headed just over the bar (90.+9). After that, it was really over at Villa Park – and both teams had to live with the 2-2 draw, which was certainly better for Aston Villa in the standings
