Marco Asensio opened his Aston Villa account in style, scoring twice to seal a 2-1 comeback win over Chelsea on Saturday, with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen’s blunder proving decisive.
Chelsea had taken an early lead through Enzo Fernandez in the ninth minute, following a precise cross from Pedro Neto.
The Blues dominated much of the first half, with Cole Palmer and Fernandez both going close to doubling the lead.
However, Villa hit back in the second half, with Marcus Rashford making an impact off the bench. The forward helped create the 57th-minute equaliser, flicking on Matty Cash’s cross into the path of Asensio, who finished from close range.
Although the goal was initially ruled out for offside, VAR overturned the decision, with replays showing Fernandez had played Rashford onside.
Chelsea had a golden opportunity to regain the lead when Palmer broke free, but Ezri Konsa made a crucial clearance before he could get his shot away.
Villa then snatched victory in the 89th minute, as Rashford teed up Asensio, whose low shot slipped through Jorgensen’s grasp and trickled into the net.
Chelsea’s defeat continues a poor run of form, with four losses in their last five matches, leaving them one point outside the top four in sixth place.
Villa, meanwhile, moved up to seventh, just a point behind Chelsea, reviving their Champions League ambitions after also holding league leaders Liverpool to a 2-2 draw in midweek.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admitted his side’s wastefulness cost them, “It was a tough one because we did not deserve to lose. Even after the 1-1, we had chances to score.
“We had some great chances, and in this league, you have to be clinical; otherwise, until the end, anything can happen.”
Villa manager Unai Emery praised the impact of his January signings: “Asensio can get the tempo we need. He can get assists and also score goals, as he did today. I need that. Marcus played a fantastic 45 minutes. We now want him to be consistent.”
Chelsea will look to bounce back next week, while Villa’s momentum continues as they push for a top-four finish.
