Right-back Branislav Ivanovic proved to be the match-winner for Chelsea as his second-half strike earned the visitors a 2-1 victory away at Aston Villa this afternoon.

The Serbian struck in the 66th minute after Eden Hazard's early opener had been cancelled out by Villa centre-back Jores Okore.

Here, Sports Mole looks back over the contest to determine if the away side were deserving victors at Villa Park, or whether the hosts warranted a share of the spoils.

Match statistics

VILLA
Shots: 8
On target: 1
Possession: 51%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 8

CHELSEA
Shots: 12
On target: 5
Possession: 49%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 7

Was the result fair?

Considering the contrasting form that these two had been showing heading into this contest, there was an expectation on Chelsea to record a comfortable victory. The scoreline suggests that it was a tight encounter and it was to some degree, although the Blues were worth the three points.

They may have had slightly less of the possession, but they controlled the ball at the right moments and created the better chances. Villa might believe that their efforts were worthy of a draw, but overall they did not do enough.

Villa's performance

As Paul Lambert has been quick to stress, his side's final position at the end of the season will not be determined by the results that they achieve against the likes of Chelsea. While that is true, it is still important that the displays provide reasons to be optimistic.

That was not the case away at Arsenal last week, but it was much better today. When Hazard scored in the eighth minute, the crowd grew restless and another thrashing looked inevitable. Credit to Lambert's men, though, because they dug deep and showed some good character to keep themselves in the contest right until the final whistle.

Aside from the hammering at Arsenal, defending has not been much of a problem as far as Villa are concerned. It has been scoring goals that has proved difficult, but Okore ended an 11-hour drought. The relief was there for all to see and Lambert will no doubt be hoping that his side can build on the confidence that it should provide them over the coming weeks.

Chelsea's performance

It can be dressed up any way that you like, but, quite simply, this was a title-winning type of performance. It was by no means a vintage display from Chelsea, but they stepped up to the mark when it really mattered.

During the first 45 minutes, they were by far the better of the two teams and actually spurned a couple of openings to add to their tally. Didier Drogba up front was a little wasteful in possession, but the attacking trio of Hazard, Oscar and Willian behind him were pulling the strings.

Villa huffed and puffed in the second half, which posed different problems. Aside from the goal - when Okore was left all alone at the back post - Chelsea stood firm. John Terry and Gary Cahill made countless clearances as Villa peppered the Chelsea box with crosses in the closing stages. It may have been an ugly win, but one that has seen Chelsea extend their lead at the summit to seven points and that is essentially the most important factor.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Nemanja Matic: It was a match with very few standout players, but the work carried out by Matic was there for all to see once again. With such a long stride, the Serb was able to cover plenty of ground, allowing him to make some crucial challenges and interceptions. Also, in the final few moments, he made some crucial clearances alongside Cahill and Terry.

Biggest gaffe

Like the man-of-the-match award, there was not a particular gaffe that was hugely memorable. Let's give it to the Villa defence as a collective unit for Chelsea's first goal. Oscar ran down the line, cut the ball back for Willian, who in turn played in Hazard to score. It looked a simple goal, but there was a huge helping hand from the hosts, who failed to make a single challenge on the man in possession.

Referee performance

There was no game-changing mistake from Neil Swarbrick, but it was by no means his best outing. At times he would play the advantage rule, then there would be other occasions when he would blow up instantly. That inconsistency annoyed both sets of players, which meant that tempers were at boiling point at times. There was also a couple of harsh cautions dished out.

What next?

Villa: On Tuesday, Villa have a crucial clash with fellow strugglers Hull City at the KC Stadium.

Chelsea: A day later, the Blues take on Everton at Stamford Bridge.