Player Ratings: Chelsea 0-1 Aston Villa | Premier League

Chelsea were beaten by Aston Villa in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues failed to score for the third consecutive game in the Premier League this season.

In the opening 45 minutes, the two teams exchanged good chances, Robert Sanchez was forced into a smart save after a well hit volley from Lucas Digne, at the other end Emiliano Martinez kept out Nicolas Jackson.

Sanchez was once again called into action for the hosts and made an superb reflex stop to deny Villa the opener. A few moments later Chelsea thought they had the lead, an Axel Disasi header was powered home, but he was called for offside meaning the teams went into the break level.

In the second half, the home side looked sharp, with chances falling right out of the gates to both Raheem Sterling and Jackson, but they failed to make them count.

The momentum of the game was then completely flipped, a challenge from Malo Gusto saw him sent off after a VAR review. Pressure was mounting on the Blues, and eventually it told, a Villa counter-attack was finished off by Ollie Watkins, who scored the only goal of the contest and won the match.

Here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the player’s performances in west London.

Robert Sanchez – 6.5/10

After having his best display of the season at the Vitality Stadium a week ago, the Spaniard put in another good showing against Villa. There was an array of excellent stops throughout the contest. Unfortunately, his flawless game came to an end when he allowed Watkins’ low effort to sneak through his legs and into the bottom corner, he was beaten way too easily.

Malo Gusto – 4/10

There is a very strong connection forming down the right-hand side between Gusto and Sterling, unfortunately that bond will not grow in the next few games. After a strong challenge and a VAR review, Gusto received his marching orders, compromising what otherwise had been a good game.

Thiago Silva – 4/10

A costly error from the Brazilian where he turned over position in the middle of the park allowed Villa to break away and jump into the lead just after the midway point in the second half. Disappointing day at the office.

Axel Disasi – 5/10

Very nearly had his second goal for the Blues this season, a thumping header from the Frenchman looked to have fired Chelsea in front at the back end of the first half, but he was caught offside.

Levi Colwill – 5/10

While he did well to initially block Watkins’ effort, the ball fell back to the forward and the young defender was unable to stop him from scoring the game winning goal. Once again, Colwill was played in the left-back role, it would be good to seem him given a chance at centre-back.

Moises Caicedo – 5.5/10 (79)

The only change to the starting XI from the Blues’ 0-0 draw against Bournemouth last weekend. A more composed display in the middle of the park from the Ecuadorian, showing more of what is expected from him. Was brought off late in the game as Chelsea pushed for an equaliser.

Conor Gallagher – 5/10

Captaining the side for the second game in a row, Gallagher was unable to lead the Blues to a much needed victory. It was not a bad display from the 23-year-old, who played alongside Caicedo, but he is capable of more.

Enzo Fernandez – 5/10 (68)

Fernandez played in a higher role up the pitch against Bournemouth and struggled to have his usual impact, he was played in the same role against Villa and he struggled to have his usual impact. The Argentine is better utilised in a deeper role, a pairing with Caicedo is something Chelsea fans will be eager to see.

Mykhailo Mudryk – 6/10 (60)

Unfortunate to get taken off in the 60th minute as Pochettino made a tactical change due to the sending off of Gusto. It had been a good display up until that point from the Ukrainian in his second consecutive start for Chelsea, still plenty more to come.

Raheem Sterling – 4.5/10

Often a bright spark for Chelsea this season and normally at the centre of good play going forward. While he was constantly involved in this contest, he squandered multiple great chances, with his experience and skillset he should be the one to step up when it matters, not fluff his lines.

Nicolas Jackson – 4.5/10 (68)

Relentless runs in behind from the Senegalese striker caused the Villa backline problems, but once again he was unable to get on the scoresheet. There is no doubt Jackson is a talented player, but there are many elements still missing from his game. Picked up his fifth yellow card in six games, which means he will serve a one match ban already.

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Bench

Ben Chilwell – 5/10 (60)

After receiving boos last weekend on the south coast, Chilwell was once again used off the bench and come on in a tough moment in this contest. Had a golden opportunity to level the contest when he broke in behind the defence, but was denied by Martinez, overall though he had a positive impact.

Cole Palmer – 5.5/10 (68)

Yet to receive the nod to start for the Blues, but that will soon change, a good cameo from Palmer.

Lesley Ugochukwu – 5/10 (68)

Hard to be critical of the Frenchman, was introduced as a defensive substitution for Jackson to try and protect a point, Chelsea were unable to hang on.

Armando Broja – 5/10 (79)

One of the positives to take from the defeat is the return of Broja, after a lengthy time on the side-lines, the Albanian returned to the team against Villa.