Chelsea looked set to continue their fine run of form under Graham Potter by beating Aston Villa.
Chelsea had won their last three league matches before Sunday and as a result, were up to 4th in the Premier League.
The Blues also recently did the double over AC Milan in the Champions League, likely securing their spot in the Round of 16.
As for Aston Villa, they were down in 16th place in the Premier League ahead of GW11 and had won just one in five.
And when all was said and done on Sunday, Chelsea came away with the win.
Chelsea took less than six minutes to open the scoring. Ben Chilwell’s cross was poorly cleared by Tyrone Mings, falling straight to Mason Mount who slotted in with ease to make it 1-0.
Following that goal, Aston Villa dominated for large periods and were only denied an equaliser in the first half thanks to Kep Arizabalga.
However, Chelsea found a second goal 65 minutes in via a Mason Mount free-kick.
Aston Villa player ratings
Emiliano Martinez (3) – Should have done better for Chelsea’s second goal.
Matt Cash (4.5) – Poor defensively and failed to cause Chelsea too many problems despite their underperforming left-hand side.
Ezri Konsa (5) – Was not tested too much in the first half.
Tyrone Mings (2) – Awful clearance gave Chelsea an early lead.
Ashley Young (5) – Put in a number of crosses throughout the match but none of them connected.
John McGinn (6) – Ran his socks off and was a threat going forward.
Douglas Luiz – Luiz’s passing was solid and he made some key interceptions.
Jacob Ramsey (5) – Could have done a better job closing down Chilwell for the opener.
Leon Bailey (5) – Missed a great chance to equalise 14 minutes in. Taken off for Buendia.
Danny Ings (5) – Had a lot of joy down Chelsea’s left, being denied a few times by some top goalkeeping from Kepa.
Ollie Watkins (5) – Should have done better with a chance 20 minutes in.
Substitutes
Emi Buendia - Brought on to give Villa more of an edge in the final third.
Phillipe Coutinho (N/A)
Leander Dendoncker (N/A)
Chelsea player ratings
Kepa Arrizabalaga (7.5) – Made an excellent triple save 20 minutes into the match.
Trevoh Chalobah (5) – Struggled to mark Danny Ings and Watkins.
Thiago Silva (7) – Another commanding display from the Brazilian who was a rock at the back.
Marc Cucurella (2) – Was very poor in the LCB role, with his positioning and lack of defensive awareness gifting Villa several chances. Off at HT.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (5) – Played at RWB due to James’ injury and struggled defensively. Moved into midfield at the break.
Mason Mount (7.5) – Was gifted an easy chance for the opening goal. Superb free-kick for Chelsea’s second.
Mateo Kovacic (4) – Did little of ntoe before he was taken off.
Ben Chilwell (6) - Caused Villa issues down their right all game, forcing a mistake from Tyrone Mings for the opening goal.
Kai Havertz (3) – Taken off at half-time after doing very little.
Raheem Sterling (4) – Good chance midway through the first half but he hit the bar. Did little else to test Villa.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (3) – Saw little of the ball in the first 45. Taken off after 57 minutes.
Substitutes
Cesar Azpilicutea (5) - Was much more competent out on the right than RLC.
Kalido Koulibably (5) - Helped protect Chelsea’s lead.
Conor Gallagher (3) - Failed to bring any sort of composure to the Chelsea midfield, running around like a headless chicken and offering little defensively.
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