Chelsea put up a spirited second-half performance to come from two goals down and draw 2-2 at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday evening. They have never lost three games on the bounce this season but at half-time, they looked dead and buried before resurrecting in the second half.
Villa started the game incredibly well forcing Marc Cucurella into his own net to set the tone for the first half. Unai Emery’s side were happy to let Chelsea have the ball but would immediately raise the tempo in attack when they broke forward.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson had the ball in the net but a VAR check ruled it out before Villa got their second of the game thanks to a Morgan Rogers strike after he brilliantly fired in to beat Djordje Petrovic at the near post. The Chelsea goalkeeper should have done better.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has been accused of not influencing his team in the second half of games, but here, they had their back against the wall and needed responding. The team talk at halftime must have been good this time around as Chelsea came out firing and forcing the hosts into submission.
Noni Madueke who was the livewire from the wings finessed in a deserved goal to make it 2-1. Chelsea deserved that following a brilliant start to the second half.
The hosts looked tired and hanging on by the thread, so Conor Gallagher who has been one of Chelsea’s top performers this season curled home a beautiful equaliser to earn his side a point. They thought they won it with almost the last kick when Axel Disasi headed in to make it 3-2 but VAR had a check and ruled it out for a foul. leaving it 2-2.
Here is how we rated the Chelsea players out there.
1. Nicolas Jackson-7
Scored a brilliant goal which was called off by VAR. He continued to work hard even though not many chances came his way.
2. Conor Gallagher -7
Captain. Presser. A hard worker all game. Great goal to earn the point.
3. Marc Cucurella-5
Unlucky to deflect into his own net in the 4th minute of the game. Pressed forward in the second half.
4. Benoit Badiashile-5
Looked impressive at the start and for large part did his job effectively. His passing was better tonight that has been recently.