21/06/2020
Chelsea put on a dominant display to turn around a 1-0 deficit at Villa Park, with second half strikes from Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud cementing the Blues position in the top four.
Chelsea went into the game looking to capitalise on Manchester United and Sheffield United both dropping points mid-week, while Aston Villa were looking to bounce back from their controversial draw on Wednesday night; a win being vital to move them out of the relegation zone.
Frank Lampard’s side adapted well to their first game behind closed doors and dictated play from the outset, with the Blues dominating 77% of possession in the first half. Despite a confident start, Chelsea were unable to capitalise on their chances and just before half-time Villa took advantage of some poor Chelsea defending, with Kortney Hause anticipating the loose ball and firing Villa into the lead from close range.
Chelsea’s lack of conviction in the final third was reminiscent of their previous performances this season, however the substitution of Christian Pulisic, just after half-time, ensured the Blues would reap the rewards of their promising play. Pulisic added a much-needed injection of pace to Chelsea’s attack, and within his first few minutes the American showed his clinical finishing when he latched onto a searching cross from Cesar Azpilicueta to equalise for Chelsea in the 61st minute.
The Blues continued to pile the pressure on Villa, and a quick exchange between Mason Mount and Azpilicueta stretched the home team’s defence further, with the latter finding Olivier Giroud who struck the ball on the half-turn to put Chelsea ahead – both goals coming within the space of two minutes for the London side.
The quick succession of goals proved too much for Villa, and despite a late chance through their Spanish midfielder Jota, they found themselves unable to force the equaliser.
Chelsea’s win ensures they close in on third-place Leicester City while extending their lead over fifth-place rivals Manchester United to five points, keeping their hopes of retaining a European place alive. While for Dean Smith’s side, the result sees them squander an opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone as they remain in nineteenth place on just twenty-six points having played thirty games.
SPORT central 