Chelsea and Aston Villa will have to do it again at Villa Park after playing out an entertaining 0-0 draw game at Stamford Bridge. Both teams had chances to win, but in the end, settled for a draw.
Chelsea were forced into an early change even before kick-off, Levi Colwill who was penned down to start at left-back felt something and was replaced by young Alfie Gilchrist. What that meant was that Benoit Badiashile had to move to left back and Axel Disasi, originally at right back drafted into central defence.
Chelsea have not lost a game at the Bridge since October so this was always going to be a game defined by the finest of margins. Douglas Luiz thought he'd given Villa the lead in the finest half but as he celebrated, VAR looked through and found he'd touched the ball with his hand. Replays showed they were right, and Chelsea were left off the hook.
The second half followed a similar pattern, both teams pretending to cease the game but not really being bold enough to come out all gun blazing, Cole Palmer was presented with an opportunity by Emiliano Martínez but he hurried his strike for the second time in the game and missed his chance.
Conor Gallagher was next to miss on a night both teams left their scoring boots at home. Here is how we rated every Chelsea player out there.
1. Djordje Petrovic- 8
Brilliant save in the first half to deny Youri Tielemans. Looks so comfortable since he's come in and even more unbelievable that Chelsea had to play just £12.5million for him. Brilliant all game and man of the match.
2. Alfie Gilchrist-6
Drafted in to play right back after Colwill forced off. Held on quite well and seemed to enjoy the physicality.
3. Thiago Silva- 7
You wouldn't know he'd be 40 in September. Uses space very well. Times the tackles so well too.
4. Axel Disasi -7
He's playing his best football at the moment. Looks in charge and in command. Won everything out there today.