Unanswered goals from Fernando Torres, David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic have put Chelsea in control of their encounter against Aston Villa with 45 minutes played at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

It took the hosting Blues just three minutes to break the deadlock. Torres's near-post run was picked out by full-back Cesar Azpilicueta with a cross from the right and the Spanish striker duly diverted a powerful header over Brad Guzan and into the net.

Rafael Benitez's team continued to dominate proceedings, but it took them until the 28th minute to double their advantage. Belgian international Eden Hazard was brought down 25 yards from goal and the resultant free kick was sent swerving into the goal by Luiz.

Two became three just five minutes later thanks to Serbian centre-back Ivanovic, who reacted quickest to head into the net from close range after Guzan had pushed clear a bouncing strike from Gary Cahill.

Luiz went close to extending Chelsea's lead further in the closing stages, but his drilled effort from distance was held by Guzan.