Chelsea produced a magnificent performance to defeat Aston Villa 3-1 and advance to the FA Cup fifth round. Conor Gallagher, Nicolas Jackson, and Enzo Fernandez all scored to secure a crucial victory. This outcome and performance have the potential to be a game changer for their season.
Villa were huge favourites before into the game, but Chelsea wanted it more and deserved all they got. This was one of the best 45 minutes of football Chelsea has ever had.
Gallagher, who turned 24 on Monday, scored his first goal of the season to hush Villa Park. Tactically, manager Mauricio Pochettino had everything covered, with full-backs inverting and Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in command of everything.
Nicolas Jackson, who started his first game of the season for the Blues, added the second goal to give his team a much-needed respite. Villa Park had been an unassailable stronghold for many, but now it lacked a spark and had nothing to sing about.
Chelsea had energy, passion, and fight, and they were venting their rage over what had been a difficult week for them here. Enzo Fernandez, the Argentine World Cup winner, picked the right moment and place with an incredible free kick to make it 3-0.
Most of the buzz around Chelsea’s season has been about them being a young team, but here, Pochettino omitted his most experienced combination Raheem Sterling and Thiago Silva and trusted the likes of Axel Disasi and Noni.
The game was over before the 70th minute, and Moussa Diaby’s late extra-time goal was simply a consolation. Here is how we assessed the guys available today.
