Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea: The first one of Project Restart

Frank Lampard sits where he wants

It took more than 100 days but the Premier League is finally back in all of our lives. But not quite as we know it. No fans, lots of elbow bumps and far too many water breaks. But who cares?! How good was it to be able to watch Chelsea again? And by good I definitely mean nerve wracking and a bit shouty at times, at least in my front room.


With the three month break a number of players were able to get themselves back to fitness. From the looks of the weekend, not everyone was match fit. But fit enough to qualify them for a place on the new gargantuan nine man bench. Don't mention that to Mesut Ozil.

As Frank Lampard named his first Project Restart team (other post-pandemic projects are available), he managed to throw in a few surprises. Chelsea Twitter went into a mini-meltdown at seeing Ruben Loftus-Cheek named in his first Frank Lampard managed side. While N'Golo Kante, who'd initially been given compassionate leave from pandemic training, also made the cut for the starting XI.

The biggest surprise for me was the inclusion of Olivier Giroud. The World Cup winner had finally established himself in the team this season just before lockdown struck. I assumed Lampard would revert to type and just give Tammy Abraham his place leading the line. It shows a small evolution from what appeared a stubborn streak earlier in the season. One that players have a real chance to earn and keep their place in the team.

America! F*ck Yeah

To say Chelsea started strongly would be an understatement. Throughout the first half they had so much of the ball in the opposition half that I briefly forgot what Kepa looked like. Aston Villa packed out their box with nine outfielders as the Blues tried to find a way through. At one point the match felt more like a game of keep away from lone striker Keinan Davis than a contested football match.

Of course this overwhelming amount of possession and time in Aston Villa's 18 yard box could only mean that that they would be the first to strike. It has been the story of Chelsea's season. Control the game, dominate possession, concede ridiculous goals against the run of play. And repeat. A goalmouth scramble led to Kortney Hause somehow bundling home for his first ever Premier League goal just before the break.

Although Aston Villa's goal was frustrating - it did lead to one of the moments of the match. As the hosts were busy celebrating the cameras panned over to their fearless captain, leaders, legends coaches and so on. Did they not just catch John Terry looking disappointed at the team he's coaching scoring against Chelsea. It might be the most reluctant applause you'll ever see.

I will assume it was not a pleasant socially distanced half-time team-talk. But it was just a goal - and not to be patronising, but it was also just Villa. They have conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League this season and were playing their backup keeper. They could be got at.

Olivier Giroud takes a knee

With five substitutions now available to him, Frank Lampard was keen to mix things up. Ross Barkley came on early in the second half for Mateo Kovacic who had been having a good game. So presumably it was to add a more attacking threat. And Christian Pulisic came on for Loftus-Cheek. It was great to see Ruben back out on the pitch but it was clear he had not played in over a year. He will need eased back in.

As for Captain America, what a difference he made! He brought Mason Mount levels of energy and was rewarded for that early on. Within five minutes of bursting onto the pitch he slotted home from a stunning cross from Cesar Azpilicueta for the equaliser.

Rather than dither around and sit back, Chelsea went on the front foot and delivered a one-two punch. That handsome World Cup winning forward completed the turnaround not two minutes after Pulisic's goal. The Frenchman justified his place in the starting lineup and proved he was picking up right where he left off all those months ago. Back when we were allowed into these matches.

As legs and minds got tired Aston Villa were able to play themselves more into the match but luckily it didn't result in anything other than a very angry Jack Grealish. With the results all falling the right way this weekend, Chelsea have opened themselves up a five point gap over fifth place Manchester United and Wolves.

Next up - Manchester City on Thursday. No pressure.

jenny xx

RESULT: Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea

GOALS: Hause 43, Pulisic 60, Giroud 62

CHELSEA XI: Kepa, Alonso, Rudiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Mount, Kante, Kovacic (Barkley 55), Loftus-Cheek (Pulisic 55), Willian (James 90), Giroud (Abraham 80)

MOTM: Mason Mount