PLAYER RATINGS: Noni Madueke’s energy sparked Chelsea’s comeback while Mykhailo Mudryk continued to frustrate… but which Blues defender had a WORSE night with a 5/10 display?
Chelsea saw a last-gasp winner ruled out as they staged a second-half fightback at Aston Villa to salvage a point and keep their stuttering European hopes alive.
Unai Emery‘s side looked on course to all but seal a spot in next season’s Champions League after taking a two-goal lead into the break but the Blues rallied.
An own goal from Marc Cucurella after John McGinn’s badly mishit cross nudged Villa ahead, and Morgan Rogers doubled their advantage before half-time.
Chelsea responded after the break, however, and superb goals from Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher forced a dramatic share of the spoils in the Midlands, though the Blues had one scrubbed off for a foul deep into stoppage time.
Here, Mail Sport‘s DANIEL DAVIS has rated the players from both sides…
Conor Gallagher scored a stunning goal to draw Chelsea level at Aston Villa in their 2-2 draw
Axel Disasi had a late effort ruled out for offside deep into stoppage time for a foul in the build up
After a dismal opening 45 minutes, Mauricio Pochettino’s side fought back brilliantly in the second half
ASTON VILLA (4-4-1-1)
Emiliano Martinez – 6.5
An assured display from one of Villa’s most important players. He breathes composure across a backline that pushes so high up. Taken off due to injury.
Matty Cash – 6.5
Villa hurt their opponents by effectively using the channels in the first half and Cash was integral to this. An electric presence at both ends of the pitch.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Seems to breeze across the pitch and make up yards when Villa are forced to turn back. Dealt well with clever movement from Chelsea’s attackers after the break.
Pau Torres – 6
A strong performance from a centre back that blends grit and style. Worked well with his defensive partner but was caught out several times as the game wore on.
Matty Cash was an electric presence down the right and a key part of Villa’s dominance in the flanks
Lucas Digne – 6
Devilish down the left flank but was exposed by Madueke at times. Looked to have picked up an injury but managed to stay the course for the full 90 minutes.
Leon Bailey – 6.5
Didn’t have enough of the ball to cause a constant problem with Villa sitting in a compact shape, but bright enough when he did manage to break forward.
Youri Tielemans – 6
A quiet opening period before he was withdrawn through injury.
Douglas Luiz – 6
Initially stood out, head and shoulders, in a fizzing midfield scrap but made a poor mistake for the goal after being dispossessed on the edge of his own box.
Morgan Rogers – 7.5
An inspired signing for Villa. Unai Emery may have initially referred to him as ‘still a Championship player’ after his arrival but he’s shining in the top-flight now.
Morgan Rogers is proving an inspired signing for Aston Villa after joining in the January window
John McGinn – 6.5
Played his part in the build-up before the first goal and worked relentlessly.
Ollie Watkins – 6.5
A physical display up top but the striker did resemble an isolated figure at times. Spent much of the second half mopping up balls down the channels.
Substitutes
Moussa Diaby (on for Tielemans, 27) – 6
Robin Olsen (on for Martinez, 46) – 6
Made a heroic late save to prevent Palmer from winning the game for Chelsea.
Diego Carlos (on for Bailey, 75)
Tim Iroegbunam (on for Luiz, 75)
Jhon Duran (on for Diaby, 83)
Ollie Watkins put in a solid performance but appeared stranded at times alone up top
Manager
Unai Emery – 6
His side were brilliant in the first half but crumbled after the interval.
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1)
Djordje Petrovic – 5.5
Little he could have done for either of Villa’s first-half goals. Otherwise, a solid performance from a goalkeeper that has cemented his spot as his side’s No 1.
Trevoh Chalobah – 5
Looked a little lost at sea at full back but was abandoned by those in front of him during the first half. Improved when Chelsea became more compact.
Thiago Silva – 6
Continues to impress for the club despite moving closer to the departure lounge. A true leader at the back. Marshalled the back line before being taken off.
Benoit Badiashile – 7
A number of important clearances and a handful of tackles to boot. Composed both on and off the ball. Refused to lose his head after a difficult opening 45 minutes.
Marc Cucurella – 5.5
Unfortunate to have scored the own goal that broke the deadlock early on. Tucked in during the second half and played his role in a drastically improved showing.
Trevoh Chalobah looked somewhat at sea at full back but improved once Chelsea went more compact
Marc Cucurella (left) was drastically improved after the break following his early own goal
Moises Caicedo – 6.5
Always on the move and nipping at the heels of his opponents. Involved in a heated flare-up early in the second period and this set the tone for a battling performance.
Conor Gallagher – 7
Took his chance beautifully for the equaliser. He was afforded room to shoot outside the box but the technique to arrow the ball into the top corner was picture perfect.
Noni Madueke – 7.5
He has had his doubters this season but this was an eye-catching display. Bursting with energy and precision and caused Villa all sorts of problems in behind.
Cole Palmer – 6
Not quite his usual talismanic self but still kept Chelsea ticking over from deep. Could have won the game but stabbed his shot straight at the goalkeeper.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 5.5
Continues to frustrate. He clearly possesses bundles of talent but the application and tactical understanding perhaps prevents him from clicking into top gear.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Another mixed showing. Saw a goal ruled out for the narrowest of offsides but missed a golden chance shortly after. Did threaten Villa’s backline, however.
Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher’s picture-perfect curler was a stunning finish from range
Noni Madueke has had his doubters this season but put in an eye-catching display at Aston Villa
Mykhailo Mudryk continues to frustrate in a Chelsea shirt although he clearly possesses bundles of talent
Substitutes
Cesare Casadei (on for Mudryk, 90)
Axel Disasi (on for Silva, 90)
Looked to have stolen all three points for Chelsea at the death.
Manager
Mauricio Pochettino – 6
Will be pleased with the fightback but the visitors could have earned more.
