Mason Mount’s superb volley helped Frank Lampard’s men return to winning ways against Aston Villa to ensure an unhappy return to Stamford Bridge for John Terry. Abraham got the Blues up and running against his former side when guided a beautiful dinked cross from Reese James beyond Heaton. But Aston Villa threatened an upset when Trezeguet scrappily poked home in the first half.
Ratings
Kepa Arrizabalaga 6
Not much he could do about Trezeguet’s goal in the first half. He did not have much to do after that as the game was mostly played in Villa’s half.
Reece James 7.5
Another start for the 19-year-old and he did not disappoint. Got the assist for Chelsea’s first goal when he crossed for Abraham to head in the opener. Looked threatening all evening with his dangerous crosses. Was caught out of position a few times in the game.
Kurt Zouma 6.5
Defended well on the left side but does not look comfortable passing out from the back and it showed on the night, misplaced few passes when Chelsea was trying to play out of trouble.
Andreas Christensen 6
Made his first start in the Premier League since September and looked rusty as he eases himself back into action. Did not do much wrong in the game and is the most comfortable playing out of the back of all Chelsea’s center-backs.
Cesar Azpilicueta 6.5
Started ahead of Emerson as the left-back after Emerson’s and Alonso’s woes this season. Was a solid presence at left-back but did not offer much going forward.
Mateo Kovacic 6.5
Had a relatively quiet game by his recent standards. Controlled Chelsea’s midfield and kept possession well but did not get into the box as much as Lampard would have wanted.
N’Golo Kante 7
Back into the starting line up after starting on the bench against West Ham. Always pressed the Villa defenders and didn’t give them a moment’s rest and won back possession when Villa tried to counter-attack.
Mason Mount 7.5
Back among the goals and what a way to do it. Wonderful volley to give Chelsea the lead and ensure Chelsea got all three points. Linked well with Abraham and Pulisic throughout the game.
Willian 7.5
Chelsea’s best player in the evening. Tracked Trezeguet well allowing Reece James to get forward. Was involved in Mount’s goal and should have had a goal his performance deserved but was denied by Heaton’s wonder save to thwart his free-kick.
Christian Pulisic 7
Did not get the goal after his run and shot in the second half was saved by Tom Heaton. Linked well with Mount and looked dangerous with his dribbling.
Tammy Abraham 7.5
Back in the side after missing the West Ham game and was back amongst the goals. Lovely header to put Chelsea ahead in the first half and even got an assist when he chested Willian’s cross for Mason Mount to volley home.
