On what could have been a challenging afternoon for Chelsea, the hosts secured a commanding 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League, thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer.
The result pushes Chelsea into third in the table, only behind Arsenal on alphabetical order as they are level on every other metric, while it extends Villa's dismal winless run to eight games across all competitions.
Enzo Maresca would have been delighted as his side swiftly took the lead inside seven minutes, with Jackson continuing his scoring form by instinctively firing a left-footed shot off the near post and into the net, a particularly impressive finish given Marc Cucurella's initial cross was deflected, making it awkward for the striker.
The following period saw plenty of chances for both sides to add to the scoring, with Ollie Watkins, Palmer and Jackson all missing notable opportunities, but it was the Blues who got the next goal as Chelsea won the ball back deep in Villa's half, culminating in Fernandez firing a half-volley into the bottom right corner to double their lead just before the break.
Maresca's men continued to dominate possession in the early stages of the second half, with Jackson squandering two more promising chances, allowing Aston Villa to remain hopeful of a potential comeback as they pushed forward in search of their first goal of the afternoon.
After wasting numerous chances to seal the victory in the second half, Chelsea finally added a third with five minutes remaining when Palmer curled a sublime strike into the top left corner, leaving the keeper no chance and securing all three points for the Blues.
CHELSEA VS. ASTON VILLA HIGHLIGHTS
Nicolas Jackson goal vs. Aston Villa (7th min, Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa)
Chelsea have an early lead, a real striker's finish from Jackson!
Aston Villa are infuriated, believing Jaden Philogene was brought down by Cucurella just outside the box, but the defender clearly gets to the ball first and continues his run forward.
Jadon Sancho picks up the loose ball from the tackle and plays it back to the overlapping Cucurella, whose cross is deflected up and into the feet of Jackson, who instinctively fires the ball off the near post and into the net with his left foot.
A true poacher's finish from the striker to give Chelsea the advantage.
Enzo Fernandez goal vs. Aston Villa (36th min, Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa)
2-0 to Chelsea, two in two games for Fernandez!
Chelsea win possession back high up the pitch and quickly move the ball forward to Fernandez, who opens up his body and plays it to Palmer just outside the box.
Palmer takes a touch before playing it to Fernandez, who held his run to create space for himself, and the midfielder's first touch bounces the ball up, allowing him to smash it into the bottom right corner with the outside of his right boot.
Cole Palmer goal vs. Aston Villa (83rd min, Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa)
Wow, that is another beauty from Palmer!
Noni Madueke stands up his marker on the right side before cutting onto his left foot and playing a ball into the path of Palmer, who needs no second invitation to shoot.
The forward shifts the ball onto his left foot and fires a curling effort into the top left corner, a sensational strike that rounds out a brilliant win for Chelsea.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ENZO FERNANDEZ
Fernandez has been in and out of the side for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, but the midfielder certainly staked his claim to come back into Maresca's main team with a superb performance today.
The midfielder scored the second goal, a well-taken half-volley to double Chelsea's lead, marking his second consecutive Premier League goal - the first time he has achieved that feat in his Chelsea career.
Credit must also be given to Palmer, who managed to assist one and score a sensational goal despite being far from his best for the Blues.
CHELSEA VS. ASTON VILLA MATCH STATS
Possession: Chelsea 64%-36% Aston Villa
Shots: Chelsea 16-10 Aston Villa
Shots on target: Chelsea 8-4 Aston Villa
Corners: Chelsea 3-4 Aston Villa
Fouls: Chelsea 21-6 Aston Villa
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Today's victory sees Chelsea move into third place in the table, level on 25 points with London rivals Arsenal and sharing the same goal difference, leaving them remarkably behind the Gunners on alphabetical order. The Blues will now shift their focus to an away trip to Southampton on Wednesday, followed by a crucial matchup against Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday.
As for Aston Villa, their dismal winless run across all competitions is extended to eight games after today's defeat, and they will look to end that streak with a tough game against Brentford on Wednesday.
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