ASTON VILLA’S top four credentials were severely tested by a spirited Chelsea team who were desperate to make amends for their Emirates horror show in midweek and Mauricio Pochettino’s men definitely restored some pride, fighting back from 2-0 down to earn themselves a 2-2 draw at Villa Park.
“The team showed great character after the Arsenal performance,” stated a proud but frustrated Pochettino.
It looked as though the Blues had rescued all three points following a stoppage time third goal from Axel Disasi which would have given the away side a dramatic victory, but VAR intervened having spotted a potential foul in the build-up to the goal.
A Cole Palmer corner was contested at the back post by Diego Carlos and Benoit Badiashile. As the ball bounced high into the air, the Chelsea centre+-back seemed to shoulder barge the Aston Villa player in the back before hooking his cross into the Villa six-yard box where Disasi rose to head home high into the Villa net.
While the Chelsea players and fans celebrated what they thought was one of the comebacks of the season, VAR advised referee Craig Pawson to review the Badiashile challenge, and following a short review on the pitch side monitor, the goal was ruled out for the foul on Carlos.
The Chelsea players and bench were incensed with the official’s decision and Pochettino bemoaned the ruling following the final whistle.
“It’s a challenge that happens a lot in football. The referee didn’t see a foul and VAR changed the decision,” said the Chelsea boss.
The match started just as frantically as it ended with the home side taking a fourth-minute lead, a couple of minutes after a Badiashile effort had whizzed just over the Villa crossbar following a Gallagher free kick.
Villa almost immediately went up the other end and took the lead when a Lucas Digne low cross was turned into his own net by Marc Cucurella following a sliced effort from Villa captain John Mcginn.
Despite Chelsea dominating possession for the rest of the first half, Villa doubled their lead in the 41st minute when Morgan Rogers received the ball on the left-hand side of the Chelsea box before firing hard and low through Trevoh Chalobah’s legs, beating Chelsea keeper Djordje Petrovic at his near post.
Noni Madueke was a constant threat down Chelsea’s right-hand side, and went close to scoring seven minutes into the second half, before finding the target 10 minutes later after Douglas Luiz was caught in possession on the edge of his own area.
The ball found its way to Chelsea Captain Connor Gallagher, who looked to be fouled by Villa centre-back Pau, but Madueke was on the loose ball like a flash, placing his side footed shot wide of Robin Olsen’s dive, who had replaced the injured Emiliano Martinez at half-time.
Chelsea’s continued domination finally paid dividends in the 81st minute when Gallagher was allowed the freedom of Villa Park too curl a stunning effort into the top corner of Olsen’s net from just outside the Villa box.
It was the least that Pochettino’s men deserved, with the manager believing they should have had more.
“I think we were the better side over 90 minutes and deserved to win,” reflected the Argentinian following the match.
Despite throwing away a two-goal lead, Villa boss Unai Emery was not too disappointed.
“We are happy with this point and we are still a contender for Champions League so I am happy.”
