Chelsea 1-1 Aston Villa: The One that Chelsea threw away

This man is goals

Frank Lampard rung in the changes following Chelsea's embarrassing defeat at Arsenal. In part to send a warning, in part because Monday's Aston Villa clash fell less than 48 hours later. Only the boss really knows. 

Olivier Giroud was restored to lead the line and give some focus for all those corners and set pieces. And add a little physicality at both ends that was sorely lacking against the Gunners. While Timo Werner was taken out of the spotlight. I have no doubt he will come good, but a small break never hurt anyone.

The Blues started with a lot more purpose than they managed across 90 minutes against Arsenal. Although, let's be honest, that's not saying much. The opening half hour saw Chelsea trying to completely bypass Aston Villa's midfield - with both Jack Grealish and John McGinn making a nuisance of themselves. Not an entirely effective plan, but it did see Christian Pulisic come close after he pounced on an errant pass to get into a dangerous area, only to give the side netting a real scare.

Quiet by his standards in the first half, it was none other than Olivier Giroud who found the breakthrough goal in the most Olivier Giroud way. A diving header firing past Emi Martinez, leaving the keeper no chance. Classic. The French forward has now scored 10 goals against Aston Villa, more than any other opponent he has faced. And has found the net 18 times for Chelsea this calendar year. Even though he has gone through bizarre periods of being overlooked by the boss.

Other stats that should still see Oli be first choice - he is currently averaging a goal every 63 minutes this season. Has netted 7 times in his last 5 starts for Chelsea. And has scored more headed goals (32) in the Premier League than any other player since his debut. Not. Too. Shabby.

Chelsea went into the break with a slim lead, and it took just 5 minutes into the second half to throw it away. Anwar El Ghazi fired through Edouard Mendy's legs to equalise. Potentially a foul in the buildup with Andreas Christensen rolling around following a foul from Jack Grealish leaving the Blues short a defender and a clue in the box as Aston Villa piled forward. If only said defender had got up instead of rolling around like he'd be gunned down to help out his teammates.

Yes there was a foul. Yes he should have got back up

Chelsea managed another solid attacking flurry as the minutes ticked down. Had the game gone on longer there is a good chance that they would have found a winner. But realistically, the game should have been out of sight by the break. While the result is disappointing both in isolation and when looked at amidst a series of poor results, Frank Lampard can no doubt take some solace in a more cohesive performance. 

Of course now Frank Lampard faces a problem beyond team selection. Both of Chelsea's next opponents, Man City and Morecambe, have seen Covid outbreaks leading to their matches being cancelled. Which means Chelsea could be without a match until January 15. It could mean some much needed rest, it could allow for a pre-season that never was to help integrate the new faces, it could mean we face depleted squads as the matches go on to avoid fixture congestion. No one knows. 

However the next fortnight plays out - it is unlikely that Andreas Christensen or Jorginho will be part of it now matter how you cut it. But one has to wonder how bad Fikayo Tomori's falling out with Frank Lampard had to be for him to be overlooked again.

jb x

RESULT: Chelsea 1-1 Aston Villa

GOALS: Giroud 34, El Ghazi 50

CHELSEA XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Chilwell, Kante, Jorginho (Havertz 72), Mount, Pulisic, Giroud (Werner 72), Hudson-Odoi

STAR MAN: N'Golo Kante