Chelsea’s poor start to the Premier League season continued as Ollie Watkins’ fine strike saw Aston Villa to a 1-0 win against the 10-player Blues.
It is the first time Villa have beaten Chelsea in back-to-back league games in 30 years, while Mauricio Pochettino’s side have made their worst start to a top-flight season after the opening six games since 1978/79.
But as has often been the case this season, Chelsea had their chances to score, with Emiliano Martinez making a string of fine saves, but were once again unable to find the net. They have now failed to score in their last three Premier League matches.
Aston Villa too had a raft of chances, but eventually made one count when Watkins (73) fired home on the tightest of angles after a fine break with Moussa Diaby.
It came 15 minutes after Malo Gusto was shown a straight red card. It was initially a yellow after a crunching challenge on Lucas Digne, but upgraded by referee Jarred Gillett after he consulted the pitchside monitor.
The result sees Chelsea languishing in 14th place with just five points this season. Aston Villa, meanwhile, showed no signs of fatigue from their midweek return to European football and move into sixth, just two points off the top four.
More to follow…
What’s next?
Brighton visit Chelsea in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday at 7.45pm before the Blues return to Premier League action on Monday Night Football with the West London derby at Fulham, kick off 8pm.
Aston Villa host Everton in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday at 7.45pm before Brighton are the visitors to Villa Park next Saturday at 12.30pm in the Premier League.
