Aston Villa came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at home thanks to a second-half double from Marco Asensio, with Marcus Rashford providing both assists.
Chelsea took an early lead when an unmarked Enzo Fernandez (9) tapped home Pedro Neto’s cross – but the game would change when Rashford stepped foot on the pitch.
The Manchester United loanee replaced Jacob Ramsey at half-time and it would not take long before his outstretched leg squared the ball to fellow newcomer Asensio to open his tally in claret and blue (57).
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.
Emery on what he told his players at half-time
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery:
“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.
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Unai Emery praised the impact Marcus Rashford made after coming on at half time and providing two assists in Villa’s 2-1 win against Chelsea.
“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.”
Villa strike gold in the transfer window
Sky Sports’ Patrick Rowe:
Signing big names in the transfer window is always exciting – but there is never a guarantee that the players will perform.
Marcus Rashford takes on Chelsea’s Malo Gusto
However, to the delight of Emery and the fanbase, it seems like Villa have struck gold in January.
Rashford and Asensio will grab the headlines after linking up on two different occasions to complete the comeback against Chelsea but the positives don’t stop there.
Donyell Malen has looked bright in all six of his appearances for the club, Andres Garcia is already a fan favourite after overcoming his error against Liverpool and Axel Disasi impressed in midweek against Liverpool, with his absence sorely missed when Tyrone Mings limped off injured.
The New Year is notoriously difficult to operate in when signing players but the early indications are that Villa really have completed a “masterclass” in the window, as described by Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp.
Maresca: This is the worst loss of the season
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca:
“This is probably the toughest defeat of the season. Reason why is because the reaction from Brighton has been brilliant, but this moment is not enough.
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Following Aston Villa’s win over Chelsea, Jamie Redknapp analyses who will qualify for next year’s Champions League.
“Our team is there. We tried Pedro down the wing and it worked very good. We are unlucky in this moment and we need to turn that.
“In this league you have to be clinical. The difference is in the box, we had chances we did not score.”
Chelsea unravelling at the worst time
Sky Sports’ Patrick Rowe:
Chelsea are unravelling. Enzo Maresca’s side have now dropped 15 points from winning positions this season – and 13 of these have arrived since Boxing Day.
The Blues looked back to their best in the early stages of this game, as Pedro Neto flooded forward, and Cole Palmer looked confident on the ball. They seemed to be enjoying it again.
However, Villa battled back, and the visitors had no answer for Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio in the end.
Chelsea are fortunate to have a game in hand on Villa in seventh and that Bournemouth suffered a defeat to Wolves – but their form is worrying.
They failed to land a glove on Brighton during the 3-0 defeat last week and now collapse late on against Villa. Two crushing defeats to fellow contenders in the race for Champions League football.
Maresca told Sky Sports ahead of the game that every fixture is now a “final” but very little silverware would be heading their way if that was the case.
Redknapp: Rashford is the Holte End’s new hero!
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Jamie Redknapp and Steve Sidwell were full of praise for Marcus Rashford after his substitution inspired Aston Villa’s 2-1 comeback win over Chelsea.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp:
“That sub made all the difference. He was fantastic. The Holte End have a new hero.
“Rashford came on, he gave energy, enthusiasm, everything we want to see from him. The running, the desire… he was excellent. He gave them that impetus to put Chelsea on the back foot.
Marcus Rashford provided two assists to guide Aston Villa to victory vs Chelsea
“That’s how to do the transfer window [with Asensio and Rashford]. That’s a masterclass. You look at other clubs and how they didn’t bring players in.
“I’m sure there are directors of football all around the world with their head in their hands right now thinking, ‘Why didn’t I get Marcus Rashford?’
“I get the doubts. I would have been nervous about doing it. But right now it looks like Villa have got great business done.
“I’m pleased for him. It has been tough. Don’t get me wrong, there are elements where he should have done better, should have tried harder. But he’s certainly found a place where he’s loved, a good environment. Really good piece of business from Aston Villa.”
Watch the goals…
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Enzo Fernandez fires Chelsea into an early lead at Aston Villa.
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Marcus Rashford contributed the assist as Marco Asensio levelled for Aston Villa against Chelsea.
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Filip Jorgensen error gifts Marco Asensio dramatic late second for Aston Villa.
