Aston Villa player ratings from Chelsea turnaround as two score ‘pivotal’ 8s but two ‘appalling’ 4s

Asensio’s first two goals in claret and blue - both assisted by Rashford - turned Saturday night’s nervy encounter at Villa Park on its head, earning a significant three points for Villa against direct competitors in the race for Champions League football.

Chelsea had gone ahead in just the ninth minute as Enzo Fernandez capitalised on a strong start for the hosts. Pedro Neto skinned Ian Maatsen with a single stepover and crossed low for Enzo to poke into the net. The goalscorer was being tracked by Matty Cash but the right-back let go of his runner, while Ezri Konsa stepped out of position at the vital moment.

Villa responded well to going behind as the game opened up and both teams had several decent chances in transition phases. Ollie Watkins saw a powerful effort saved by Filip Jorgensen at the near post and thrashed the side netting from a tight angle a little later. Enzo twice went close to scoring a second, glancing a header just wide before fizzing a shot from range narrowly over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku forced a decent diving stop from Emi Martinez and Cole Palmer twisted and turned before seeing a deflected shot dribble narrowly wide.

Unai Emery’s side finally sourced an equaliser just before the hour mark as Asensio tapped in from close range, assisted by substitute Rashford. Cash’s deep cross wasn’t dealt with by Malo Gusto and Rashford gobbled it up, tapping the ball past Jorgensen for Asensio to bundle into the net. Villa were initially denied the goal as the linesman’s flag went up but, thanks to an effective use of VAR, the decision was overturned.

Villa dominated possession after their goal but Chelsea remained dangerous on the transition. Palmer very nearly put the Blues back ahead in the 76th minute as he was played through by Moises Caicedo and twice sat down Martinez with feinted shots but Konsa sprinted back to make a vital clearance.

It was the hosts who found the crucial breakthrough, however, as Asensio scored a dramatic winner in the 89th minute, volleying in from a Rashford cross to send Villa Park into a frenzy. Rashford played a short corner to Youri Tielemans, received it back and teed the ball into the area for Asensio to strike first time. The volley wasn’t the cleanest but a huge error from Chelsea goalkeeper Jorgensen - letting the ball slip through his grasp - helped it across the line to seal a massive turnaround victory.

The three points soar Villa up to seventh, now just one point outside the Champions League places.

Aston Villa ratings vs Chelsea

Emi Martinez - 6

Made routine saves to deny Nkunku and Gusto in the first half. Beaten for skill by Palmer in the second. Maybe should’ve stayed on his line for Enzo’s goal but that’s being very picky.

Matty Cash - 6 (off 70’)

Played a key part in Asensio’s goal by crossing to Rashford on his weak foot. Struggled defensively, however, as he lost Enzo in the six-yard box a split second before the Chelsea midfielder scored the opener. Also dispossessed ahead of a decent chance for Enzo midway through the first half.

Ezri Konsa - 6

Got his body positioning all wrong for Enzo’s goal, stepping up and turning away rather than dropping in to block the cross. Improved as the game progressed, though, and made a big clearance off the line to deny Palmer.

Tyrone Mings - 4 (off 59’)

Twice gave up possession when trying to dribble out from the back, leading to chances for Palmer and Neto. Turned inside and out by Palmer for another Chelsea miss and was caught out of position for Enzo’s goal. Had an injury concern at the start of the second half and had to go off after continuing for a few minutes.

Ian Maatsen - 4

Appalling at times as he was fault for the opening goal, allowing Neto by far too easily by being flat-footed as the winger approached. Didn’t clear his lines on several occasions, too, either heading unconvincingly or failing to get a strong enough connection on the ball. Swung in the odd decent cross but gave up possession more than you’d hope.

John McGinn - 7

Fought hard to win his fair share of duels in a scrappy midfield battle but was booked for an accumulation of fouls. Occasionally turned away from the likes of Caicedo and James to start counter-attacks.

Youri Tielemans - 7

Broke up the play effectively with four tackles and dictated play for long stretches, especially in that second half. Gave the ball away occasionally, but it was just one of those stop-start games.

Jacob Ramsey - 6 (off at HT)

Struggled to make an impact as Gusto and James often doubled up on him.

Morgan Rogers - 7 (off 77’)

Not as effective on the right as he so often is through the centre but still managed to break away with a couple of his customary dribbles, prompting a yellow card for Nkunku with one.

Marco Asensio - 8.5*

In the right place at the right time to equalise for Villa with his first goal for the club and then fired in the late winner, albeit a little fortuitously. Linked up the play between the double pivot behind and the attackers effectively and created a great chance for Watkins midway through the first half. Did give away the ball cheaply a few times, though, and made five fouls.

Ollie Watkins - 7 (off 77’)

Didn’t score on the night but went close twice, seeing a shot saved from a tight angle and hitting the side netting after creating a chance for himself. Displayed great hold-up play on so many occasions.

Marcus Rashford - 8 (on at HT)

A pivotal impact as he assisted both of Asensio’s goals, the first with a great piece of anticipation at the far post and then the second with a delicate cross. Set up Malen for the golden chance at the end, too. Always looked a threat with his direct dribbling on the left flank.

Lamare Bogarde - 6 (on 59’)

Came on for the injured Mings and did fairly well. Earned a huge cheer for a well-timed sliding tackle on Neto but did allow Palmer in behind for his chance.