It's the restart of the season and Chelsea returns in style in an away fixture with Aston Villa.
The away team restarted their campaign, dominating a lion's share of possession for the first opening minutes, spending a good amount of possession on the attacking third. Chelsea's defense was also quick to shut most of Villa's counters down.
Villa still made the most of their meager possession, giving the Chelsea defense something to think about whenever they allow them near goal.
Chelsea keeps finding space left side of the box, but can't seem to capitalize on that.
Villa made them regret it by scoring the opener from a great play with Matt Targett crossing the ball from the right and starting a goalmouth scramble where
Kortney Hause knocked the ball into the net a minute just before the end of the half.
The Blues piled up the pressure in the closing minutes of the half, but just couldn't find the net, showing the same troubles that's been haunting them this season. The half ended 1-nil to Aston Villa.
The second half started the same as the first, with Chelsea again dominating possession and attempts on goal.
Substitute Christian Pulisic restored parity in the 60th minute, converting a nicely placed Azpilicueta cross. This is Pulisic's first five minutes of play returning from injury.
Olivier Giroud strikes shortly after, receiving the ball in the middle, making that turn, and taking that shot, reversing the away team's fortunes in just 2 minutes. Aston Villa 1, Chelsea 2.
Villa seemingly started to mount a comeback, but the momentum returned to Chelsea after keeping them at bay by controlling the pace.
Aston Villa started another determined effort following Dean Smith's substitution, putting Jota in place of John McGinn. Chelsea was given a real scare, but managed to regain control.
After Lampard's final substitution, Reece James for Willian, Chelsea regained complete control of the closing stages. Chelsea keeps the lead to keep all the three points.
Chelsea has improved their chances with Champion's League qualification. Meanwhile, this loss puts Aston Villa closer to the drop. Frank Lampard's key and timely substitutions have definitely made a difference today.
Here are the stats.
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