September 24, (THEWILL) – Chelsea’s disappointing start to the new English Premier League season continued on Sunday, as they fell to a 1-0 home defeat against Aston Villa. The loss leaves the Blues with just one win from their opening six matches.
Aston Villa frustrated their hosts throughout at Stamford Bridge and capitalised on a second half red card to Malo Gusto to claim all three points. Chelsea had plenty of chances, but in yet another game this season, could not find a way past Villa especially with keeper Emi Martinez being in inspired form.
The first half saw end to end action but neither side could make the breakthrough. Lucas Digne went close for the visitors while Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez both tested Martinez for the hosts. The best opening fell to Axel Disasi but he was caught offside.
After the break, Chelsea had Malo Gusto sent off on 58 minutes after a rash challenge on Digne following a VAR review. Villa made their extra man count on 76 minutes when Ollie Watkins finished coolly with his second attempt after being played in by Moussa Diaby.
Chelsea rallied late on, but Ben Chilwell was denied by Martinez. Villa held on through 11 minutes of stoppage time to claim the points and continue their impressive start. The defeat leaves Chelsea down in 14th place with just five points from their first 6 games. Boss Mauricio Pochettino will be desperate to turn things around quickly with third-place Brighton and Hove Albion waiting for them on Wednesday.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
