Joao Pedro was the hat-trick hero as Chelsea climbed back into fifth position and closed to within three points of Aston Villa following a stylish comeback victory at Villa Park. Villa only took two minutes to break the deadlock when Douglas Luiz’s backheel caught Filip Jorgensen off guard. However, on 35 minutes, Chelsea drew level through Joao Pedro. The Brazil international enjoyed a simple finish at the Holte End following outstanding build-up play from Enzo Fernandez and Malo Gusto to create the chance.

Ollie Watkins thought he’d restored Villa’s lead but following a VAR review, the forward was ruled offside. Joao Pedro then claimed his second to put the Blues in front at Villa Park, also after a VAR examination. Chelsea emerged from the interval as the superior side with Cole Palmer‘s exquisite finish granting the visitors a two-goal cushion in the Midlands. Joao Pedro sealed the result emphatically with his hat-trick strike. Express Sport rates and slates the Chelsea performance…

Produced several fine stops to thwart Ollie Watkins. Performed admirably.

Reverted to right-back for the Blues. Continued to surrender possession early on when Chelsea were under siege and required composure. Following a careless start, Gusto made amends 35 minutes in, delivering a pinpoint cross for Joao Pedro’s leveller.

The French centre-half returned to the Chelsea defence following his ban against Arsenal. He benefited from fortune in the first half where he collapsed following contact with Watkins but the Aston Villa forward squandered his one-on-one chance. Untidy display overall.

Chalobah was dependable. He recovered brilliantly to thwart Watkins and apply pressure, causing him to waste a one-on-one after his centre-half partner Fofana’s easy tumble to the ground.

Retained his left-back spot. Ought to have been tighter to Bailey for the match’s opening strike. Hato afforded the winger excessive space and permitted him to deliver a cross. Disappointing for the first goal but improved as the game wore on.

Shifted into midfield. He believed he was refused a blatant penalty early on. Committed himself physically and involved in numerous combative duels in the centre of the park.

The Ecuadorian delivered a superb through ball to Cole Palmer shortly after 20 minutes and would have felt disappointed his team-mate couldn’t score. Aside from that moment, he performed well.

A first half of flashes but he struggled to influence proceedings significantly. Palmer began the second period far more impressively, with a clinical finish into the bottom corner after the ball dropped to him inside the Villa penalty area. An excellent pass to Garnacho for Joao Pedro’s hat-trick strike.

The Argentine executed a magnificent diagonal pass to Gusto for Chelsea’s leveller. Outstanding vision and even superior execution from Fernandez to locate the right-back. Fernandez then delivered a delightful pass to Joao Pedro for his second strike of the evening.

His first league start since late January. A dangerous cross shortly after the opening strike towards Joao Pedro and ought to have registered an assist. He did claim an assist, however, for Joao Pedro’s hat-trick strike with Garnacho generously playing the ball square to his team-mate. On the whole, Garnacho was lively.

The Brazilian ought to have done better with an early opportunity. But Joao Pedro found the scoresheet in the first half with a brilliant run towards the far post to create what proved a straightforward tap-in for him. He subsequently netted his second with a delicate chip over Martinez moments before the interval. And then completed his hat-trick with another simple finish. What a display.

Substitutes

Romeo Lavia (on for Gusto 75′) – 6

Got some more minutes in the legs. Performed well when in possession.

Marc Cucurella (on for Fernandez 79′) – N/A

Good to see him return from injury.

Tosin Adarabioyo (on for Fofana 79′) – N/A

Replaced Fofana, who appeared uncomfortable.

Andrey Santos (on for Palmer 85′) – N/A

Insufficient time to influence proceedings.

Liam Delap (on for Joao Pedro 85′) – N/A