Chelsea created stunning record by embarrassing Aston Villa after making unwanted history

Chelsea once delivered eight early Christmas presents for their fans when Aston Villa visited Stamford Bridge.

December 2012 began with a piece of unwanted history for the Blues as their first ever Champions League defence fell apart in six matches.

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They became the first team in the illustrious competition’s history to be knocked out of the group stages as the reigning champions.

A shock defeat to Corinthians in the Club World Cup final followed, but Chelsea made amends in the Premier League when back at home.

With Rafa Benitez in the dugout as the surprise successor to Roberto Di Matteo, they welcomed the Paul Lambert-led Villa to west London.

And after just three minutes of play, Fernando Torres netted with a looping header to kick-start a record performance.

David Luiz netted a stunning free-kick before Branislav Ivanovic had Chelsea three to the good at the break with his headed attempt.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, who made his 500th Premier League start on the night, fired in from range just before the hour mark.

It got even better for the hosts when the Brazilian duo Ramires and Oscar found the target within the space of five minutes.

Eden Hazard showcased his dazzling skill and eye for goal with one of the goals of the night as the clock ticked down towards full-time.

Ramires then capped off the scoring in stoppage time thanks to his successful strike from just inside the area, with the match ending 8-0.

“Well it’s finished how it began, goals galore for Chelsea,” the iconic commentator Martin Tyler said once the eighth goal went in.

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It was the first time that seven different players from one side scored in the same match.

Chelsea also equalled their best ever Premier League result, with an 8-0 win also coming in May 2010 against Wigan Athletic.

They have won by this scoreline on four separate occasions, the first of which came in 1971 against Jeunesse Hautcharage.

In face, the Blues then beat the Luxembourgian side 13-0 in their Cup Winners’ Cup first round second leg, which is their biggest ever win.

Chelsea most recently won 8-0 during their triumphant Conference League campaign last season, with FC Noah the defeated opposition.

It’s the biggest win in the history of Europe’s third-tier tournament.

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Chelsea record against Villa

Since their historic win on December 23, 2012, Chelsea have won 14 of their 22 meetings against Villa in all competitions.

However, they have just two wins from their last seven meetings with the Birmingham-based side.

Villa were 2-1 victors in their previous clash in February, and their next fixture has the ingredients for another close battle.

Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge on December 27 following a 2-2 draw away to Newcastle United.

They sit fourth in the Premier League and level with Liverpool on 29 points, although they are ahead of the Reds on goal difference.

Villa are seven points above them in third after they beat Manchester United 2-1 to extend their winning run to ten.

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Unai Emery has his side breathing down the neck of leaders Arsenal and Manchester City.

A win away to Chelsea would strengthen their title credentials for the second half of the campaign.