Chelsea ensured a rather convincing win over the weekend’s visitors to Stamford Bridge Aston Villa with Thomas Tuchel’s men scoring three past the Midlanders to maintain their unbeaten start to the new season.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
Chelsea started on the front foot and looked the more likely of both teams to get the opener as the Aston Villa backline struggled to contain Romelu Lukaku going forward.
The Belgian, who had fended off concerns over a potential thigh injury, looked a constant threat in the final third of the pitch and eventually bagged a goal on his return to Stamford Bridge inside the opening 15 minutes with a composed finish into the back of the net.
Villa looked to find a leveller on the opposite end of the pitch which meant that Chelsea’s No.1 Edouard Mendy had to be called into action to deny Ollie Watkins’ powerful effort on goal.
Mendy produced another stunning save, this time from a driving strike from Villa defender Tyrone Mings, as the hosts remained on the hunt for a second goal to double their advantage.
Thomas Tuchel made a change following the half-time break with debutant Saul being replaced by Jorginho and Chelsea responded in a brilliant manner by finding their second goal of the game through Mateo Kovacic.
The Croatian midfielder stole possession near the opposition box and steered the ball into the net with Villa’s onrushing goalie Jed Steer helpless in his efforts to deny the Chelsea man.
With efforts going to waste on either end, Chelsea left it very late for the third goal which was contributed once again from the Stamford Bridge returnee Lukaku who capped off a flying performance with a brace.
