Chelsea ran out easy 3-0 winners against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, keeping a first clean sheet in six home games while rising to third in the Premier League table. The loss marked an eighth successive game without a win for Villa in all competitions.
The Blues wasted no time in asserting control as Nicolas Jackson fired a clinical left-footed strike past Emiliano Martínez in the seventh minute. The goal, assisted by Marc Cucurella, was surrounded in controversy as Villa players protested an earlier challenge on Jaden Philogene. Jackson’s opener marked his fourth first-half goal this calendar year, a league-leading feat.
Villa’s best chance came through Ollie Watkins, but his decision to shoot rather than pass to Morgan Rogers allowed Robert Sánchez to make a comfortable save. Chelsea then took advantage of the frailty of Villa and doubled their lead with an astonishing strike from Enzo Fernández following a precise assist by Cole Palmer.
The second half saw Robin Olsen replace the injured Martínez, but the Swede had no chance as Palmer sealed the win with a sensational long-range effort in the 83rd minute. The goal meant Palmer became one of Chelsea’s quickest to 30 Premier League goals.
Villa’s woes, on the other hand, continue as Unai Emery’s side remain 12th in the table in urgent need of solutions.
