Palmer scores screamer as Chelsea go third, behind Arsenal on solely alphabetical order

Chelsea moved as much as third within the Premier League desk following a 3-0 victory towards Aston Villa, due to objectives from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.

Enzo Maresca’s facet appeared stuffed with power from the outset and Nicolas Jackson swept his facet right into a seventh-minute lead along with his effort sliding in off the publish.

Villa, who got here into the sport with no win of their final seven matches throughout all competitions, might have equalised eight minutes later. The often reliable Ollie Watkins shrugged off his defender, however his effort lacked the ability to beat goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

However Chelsea had been answerable for the primary half and deserved to double their lead on the thirty sixth minute. Enzo Fernandez performed a stunning one-two with Palmer earlier than hanging his effort into the underside nook.

Moments earlier than the half-time whistle, Watkins had the chance to get his facet again into the tie however was once more denied by Sanchez

Chelsea had been allowed to cruise by means of the second half earlier than a second of sophistication by Palmer sealed the win. The talisman opened up his physique outdoors the field after which despatched a thunderous effort into the highest nook.

Remarkably, the Blues are solely behind second-placed Arsenal on alphabetical order, with the London rivals degree on all desk metrics after 13 video games.

Chelsea will look to proceed their unbeaten run with a midweek Premier League journey to Southampton on Wednesday night time. In the meantime, Aston Villa will hope to finish their winless run at Brentford on the identical night.

Chelsea might change into the silent murderer within the title race if Liverpool begin to drop factors because the UEFA Champions League heats up.

The UEFA Convention League has allowed Chelsea to maintain their stars contemporary and allowed their squad gamers to maintain sharp.

5 of their beginning XI towards Villa didn’t make the journey to Heidenheim on Thursday night time. Compared, Villa appeared drained following their exploits towards Juventus within the Champions League.

Chelsea at the moment are degree on factors with Arsenal and look sharp, with gamers like Joao Felix able to make an impression from the bench.

Every little thing Palmer touches is golden in the meanwhile and two items of sophistication helped Chelsea to win this one.

Within the first half, Palmer noticed a one-two alternative with Fernandez which resulted within the Blues taking management of the sport. Palmer then settled the match with a particular effort from outdoors the field which flew into the highest nook.

Chelsea: Sanchez 7, Caicedo 8, Fofana 7, Colwill 8, Cucurella 7, Lavia 7, Fernandez 7, Sancho 7, Palmer 8, Neto 7, Jackson 7.

Subs: Badiashile 6, Gusto 6, Joao Felix 7, Madueke 7, Nkunku 6.

Aston Villa: Martinez 7, Money 7, Konsa 7, Torres 7, Digne 6, Kamara 6, Tielemans 6, McGinn 7, Rogers 7, Philogene 6, Watkins 7.

Subs: Bailey 6, Barkley 6, Buendia 6, Duran 7, Olsen 7.

7’ –GOAL! CHELSEA 1 (JACKSON) ASTON VILLA 0: Cucurella on the overlap throughout a charging run ahead. The defender then places the ball onto Jackson’s foot, along with his effort deflecting off the publish and stepping into.

16’ –WATKINS EFFORT SAVED: Watkins will get the higher of Fofana, who’s left on the ground. Nevertheless, Chelsea goalkeeper Sanchez is shortly out and saves Watkins’ effort down low. It’s a giant save early on this match.

37’ –GOAL! CHELSEA 2 (FERNANDEZ) ASTON VILLA 0: The Chelsea midfielder performs a stunning one-two with Palmer after which the ball sits up for him and the Argentinian strikes low into the underside nook.

45+2’ –WATKINS CHANCE: Fernandez loses the ball as he falls backwards below strain by Rogers, permitting Philogene to cross into the trail of Watkins. The marksman takes a contact earlier than firing at objective, however Sanchez comfortably saves the considerably tame effort.

83’ – GOAL! CHELSEA 3 (PALMER) ASTON VILLA 0: A Chelsea free-kick is performed out extensive after which handed to Palmer, who opens up his physique and fires the ball into the highest nook.