Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins's first goal of the season condemned Chelsea to their third defeat of the season in six games, and the second loss at Stamford already.
The defeat also condemned Chelsea to their worst start to a top-flight season for the first time since 1978, and that season they got relegated. Not that they are in danger of going down but their start to the campaign has been disturbing.
Chelsea had only scored five goals in the Premier League so far, highlighting the need for goals coming into this game- but the sending off of Malo Gusto in the second half meant it was mission impossible.
The Blues started the game with so much intent and intensity but with just one shot on target in the first 40 minutes and that came from the returning Moises Caicedo early on in the game.
Two brilliant saves from Robert Sanchez in the first half both spectacular, from Lucas Digne and Nicolo Zaniola kept the scoreline at 0-0 with Chelsea dominating proceedings while Aston Villa had the best chances.
But it was in the second half that the game changed with Malo Gusto’s red card swinging the game’s possession in favour of the visitors and eventually the win.
The tackle was first seen as a yellow card but VAR then intervened and told the referee to go to the monitor for what was eventually seen as dangerous play.
Ben Chiwell got a good chance to bring Chelsea back into the game after Palmer lopped a pass to him but Emiliano Martinez went down to save brilliantly from the England left-back.
The Blues had half chances to try and make it work as Pochettino made attacking changes to try and get his team back into it but Villa held on for the win.
1. Robert Sanchez 4.5
Incredibly unlucky not to concede after gifting Joao Pedro the ball. Looked nervous when playing out from the back. Great save in the second half.
2. Cole Palmer- 6
Started in the No 10 role and even though he showed flashes of brilliance, he just did not get going before a brilliant assist saved the day.
3. Nicolas Jackson-7
Uses so much energy in winning the ball back and when he got into the critical area he just could not master the energy to finish. Smart strike for his goal.
4. Marc Cucurella-6
Was paired against the electric Mitoma. Held his own for the majority of the game even if he did not attack as much he would have liked.