Chelsea beat Aston Villa 3-0 with Cole Palmer scoring late on (Image: Getty)
Chelsea enjoyed one of their finest performances of the Premier League season and laid down their credentials for a top-four challenge after beating Aston Villa 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Enzo Maresca implemented a tweaked 3-5-2 formation for his side and it worked a treat as Nicolas Jackson put them ahead after six minutes with his eighth goal of the season.
Enzo Fernandez doubled their advantage before the break before Cole Palmer’s excellent strike rounded off an impressive performance from the hosts.
Express Sport assesses the Blues’ performance with Chelsea player ratings.
Robert Sanchez 7
Important stop to deny Watkins at 1-0 and the Spaniard showed a safe pair of hands in everything else he did, which is welcome after questions were raised over his place as first-choice goalkeeper.
Wesley Fofana 6
Moving back inside after playing as a right-back last time out, the Frenchman got his pocket picked by Watkins early on, but made a superb recovery to deny the same man later in the half. His afternoon was cut short by yet another injury concern.
Levi Colwill 7
A bit shaky in the first half and caught ball-watching on a few occasions to allow Watkins in behind him. Recovered to enjoy a calmer second half.
Marc Cucurella 8
Aggressive tackle to win the ball back high up the pitch and supplied a super cross for Jackson to finish from. The Spaniard continues to thrive under Maresca.
Marc Cucurella supplied an assist and kept a clean sheet (Image: Getty)
Pedro Neto 7
His incredible work ethic and dangerous deliveries from the right caused problems at the back. A manager’s dream and he’s growing into an important player.
Moises Caicedo 7
Dominant in the middle of the park, people are finally taking notice of the Ecuadorian’s presence in the engine room. His passing was crisp and accurate, cutting out several Villa attacks and launching the counter. A supreme display from the £115million man.
Romeo Lavia 7
The first time all three players have started under Maresca and the Belgian’s first start since October 10. But there were no signs of rustiness, as he passed with confidence oozing from his boots while Chelsea controlled the midfield.
Enzo Fernandez 8
Chelsea want more goals and assists from their £107million signing. Well, they’re getting them. A lovely finish with the outside of his foot means the Argentinian now has two goals and three assists as many matches for the Blues. Generally looked a lot more comfortable on the left side of the three-man midfield and an impressive all-round display.
Cole Palmer scored his first goal in four games (Image: Getty)
Jadon Sancho 6
His display against Heidenheim brought him back into the reckoning, this time on the left flank, and Sancho was involved in making life difficult for Villa early on. Still not quite there in the final third, though, as he was replaced by Madueke midway through the second half.
Cole Palmer 8
With one goal in his last five, the playmaker would’ve been hoping to get on the scoresheet. But he was more than happy to supply Fernandez the assist for his goal, proving his influence in the team remains unquestionable as their chief creator. Then came his moment in the 84th minute and boy, did he take it with a stunning strike to seal the points.
Nicolas Jackson 8
Executed a tidy finish in off the post in the box to bag his eighth of the season and the Senegalese led the line with guile. His efforts to grab a second may have proved futile, but they were appreciated by the Stamford Bridge faithful as he trudged off to a warm ovation.
Nicolas Jackson was a constant threat up front for Chelsea (Image: Getty)
Substitutes
Benoit Badiashile (on 60′) 6
Nothing too dramatic from the towering centre-back after replacing the injured Fofana.
Christopher Nkunku (on 70′) 6
Would have been disappointed not to start after his goal against Heidenheim and the Frenchman cut a forlorn presence, missing a late chance to score.
Noni Madueke (on 70′) 6
A bright cameo down the right and should’ve made it 4-0. Booked for simulation.
Malo Gusto (on 85′) N/A
Came on for the final minutes after illness.
Joao Felix (on 85′) N/A
Should’ve scored and got booked.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1983160/Chelsea-player-ratings-Aston-Villa-Enzo-Maresca