The guest game at Aston Villa was the expected difficult task for Chelsea FC, who even got themselves into trouble with a terrible own goal. But then there was a happy ending for the Blues with the 3:1, also because coach Thomas Tuchel proved a golden hand.
Chelsea had been running out of steam lately, with only nine points from the past six league games, they were certainly not satisfied in London – but it would be presumptuous to talk of a crisis for the third-placed team in the table. However, the Blues did not want to afford another slip-up at Aston Villa, which had to do without coach Steven Gerrard due to Corona.
Coach Thomas Tuchel was able to rely on Kanté in midfield, while striker Lukaku was not fit for 90 minutes according to the coach and therefore only found a place on the bench. Tactically, the Londoners played in a tried and tested 3-4-3, while the Villans opted for a 4-3-3.
James unlucky – Cash unlucky
It became clear early on that the Birmingham team had the centre completely shut down, leaving Chelsea with no option but to play on the flanks. The Tuchel team also tried the wings, but found it extremely difficult and hardly created any danger.
In this respect, Villa actually proved more pleasing thanks to their determined counter-attacking approach, although the hosts also failed to create any significant finishes for long periods. It was a slow game without much entertainment value, also because both teams neutralised each other in the build-up to the game.
Mount’s second-range shot, which touched the crossbar (24th), caused a sensation before James headed a Targett cross into his own goal (28th).
The Blues’ answer was not long in coming: Chelsea increased the pressure, pressed for the equaliser and were lucky that Cash was unfortunate to clear Hudson-Odoi in his own penalty area. Jorginho took advantage of the penalty kick to make it 1-1 at the break (34th).
The draw at half-time was completely justified, because both teams played well defensively, but left room for improvement offensively.
Tuchel proves he has a golden touch
Tuchel brought on Lukaku for the restart, who naturally brought more physicality to the attacking centre. Pulisic, who was lost as a striker in half one, moved to the wing.
Tuchel’s measures worked: Chelsea had a huge amount of possession (around 80 per cent) at the start of the second half and had turned the tide after 56 minutes: Hudson-Odoi had plenty of time and space to cross in from the left half of the field to Lukaku, who made Mings look old and headed against the direction of Martinez to make it 2-1. It was the brawny attacker’s first goal after 106 goalless days. The last time he scored was on 11 September, in a 3-0 win against Aston Villa.
Sportingly, the air was gone after that, also because Aston Villa could not improve and despite visible efforts did not really become dangerous. Only the substitute El Ghazi scored for the hosts (79th), who looked a little powerless in the final phase and still had hope, because Chelsea did not close the bag – the best opportunity was missed by Hudson-Odoi (88th).
But then Lukaku escaped on a counterattack and was felled by Konsa in the penalty area. Jorginho converted the following penalty with aplomb for the 3:1 final score (90.+3).
