By Samuel A. February 23, 2025
Aston Villa came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at home on Saturday evening, thanks to a second-half double from Marco Asensio, with Marcus Rashford providing both assists. Chelsea initially took an early lead when an unmarked Enzo Fernandez tapped home Pedro Neto’s cross on the 9th minute of the game, showing signs that looked like they were getting back on track, but the game would change when Rashford stepped foot on the pitch. The Manchester United loanee replaced Jacob Ramsey at half time and it did not take long at all before his outstretched leg squared the ball to fellow newcomer Asensio to open his tally in claret and blue colors. Momentum was with the home team following the equaliser and it was the same duo who linked up for the winner in the 89th minute, as Asensio’s effort squeezed under the body of Filip Jorgensen after another pass from Rashford.
The duo were both brought to the club on temporary deals in the January transfer window but now look to be finding their feet in Unai Emery’s squad, as their efforts catapult Villa to within one point of Chelsea in sixth place, who missed the chance to enter the top four.
“The last three matches at home in the Premier League, we performed really well. We were being demanding because we were not achieving the points while playing good”, Emery said.
“We were upset about the first half, how we conceded and were not dominating. Progressively we were getting better.
“Second half we spoke about our reaction and response, through the energy we needed. Very happy how we responded and reacted to get three points. Today we had chances and scored.”
The defeat simply sums up how the Blues have been since the start of December, dropping points carelessly, players morale reducing, and Cole Palmer misfiring.
Chelsea will face Southampton on Wednesday, and now it’s time for them to “stick together and come through this patch”, according to captain Reece James.
