Aston Villa v Chelsea: Goals, Ghost Goals, Red Cards, Injuries and Number Two Oh Three

Torres and Mata celebrate Lampard's 203rd
Eden Hazard celebrates Torres' bottom

After Chelsea slipped up against Spurs in their Champions League spot playoff of sorts - or a trophy as Arsenal see it - they only had two games left to guarantee their futures. The CL is more than just a jaunt to the continent, but could also be the defining factor in a special return, what players could be in and out over the summer. But it wasn’t like Chelsea were taking on someone they’d knocked in eight against over Christmas ... 

Of course the 66 other games Chelsea have somehow managed to play have begun to take their toll on bodies and minds. It’s the only sensible explanation for Ramires’ ‘performance’ yesterday. Two rash challenges and Lee Mason decided to improve Chelsea’s chances by sending him for an early shower. 

A goal and a man down going into the second half, you’d think Chelsea were facing a team who were in a relegation battle and needed a win to guarantee their safety. And with tactical wizard Bentiez at the helm, what could go wrong? Well, er, nothing this time. Or nothing that he could control anyways. 

Chelsea's Torrid Affair with Thursday Night Cup

We're in serious like - but not yet love

Dear Thursday Night Cup Europa League,

I can’t say that our continued affair right under the nose of your big brother would have lasted this long. We didn’t exactly get together in the best of circumstances. And if I’m being really honest, I was using you to make Champions League jealous after he so callously tossed us aside. Not that I’m annoyed that the honeymoon period was so short. (I am). But nevertheless, you’ve stayed with us even though, we have let ourselves go.