Enzo Fernandez scores STUNNING free-kick for Chelsea in FA Cup tie against Aston Villa… as Lee Dixon hails ‘world class’ effort in dominant performance from the midfielder
- Fernandez put in arguably his best showing for Chelsea in Wednesday’s match
- He had received widespread criticism for his performances so far this season
- Does winning the League Cup change the perception at Chelsea? It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Enzo Fernandez produced a sensational free kick against Aston Villa that was hailed ‘world class’ by Lee Dixon.
The midfielder has had a tough time of things since his £107million move from Benfica last winner, but put in arguably his best performance in a Blues shirt against Aston Villa as his side won 3-1.
Fernandez, who moved to Chelsea on the back of a strong World Cup campaign with winners Argentina, helped control proceedings in the first half as his partnership with Moises Caicedo finally started to blossom.
He scored a stunning free kick just before the hour mark, putting his side 3-0 up and on the verge of reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup despite being up against it before the game.
In an effort that received top praise from Lee Dixon on ITV commentary, Fernandez curled his effort over the wall and past international team-mate Emi Martinez in what was arguably his finest moment in a Chelsea shirt to date.
Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning free kick for Chelsea against Aston Villa in the FA Cup
The midfielder curled in his side’s third goal of Wednesday’s game in a dominant performance
He held his shirt up to the camera in celebration as he seemingly released frustration around recent events
‘He’s completely dominated the first half in that midfield and this is absolutely world class,’ Dixon said after the strike. ‘That is a world class goalkeeper who gets a palm to it and can’t keep it out, it’s almost behind him when he gets there with his glove.
‘Almost inch perfect, but good enough. Him and Caicedo in that midfield have been a real strong point of this Chelsea team and he just caps it all off with an absolute worldie free kick.
‘He picked the ball up straight way and put it down. Two or three other players had a little pick up, moving the ball, but there was only one taker. He stayed constant, and he’s eyeing that top corner up and when he came to deliver, absolutely word perfect.’
Fernandez has received widespread criticism this season for his performances for Chelsea in a midfield partnership that cost over £220million alongside Caicedo.
The Blues have had yet another difficult campaign, and are 11th in the Premier League table following defeat to Wolves at the weekend.
They do, however, remain in both domestic cups, with spots in the FA Cup final and League Cup fifth round now secured.
Dixon said the midfielder’s effort was ‘world class’ after being ‘a real strong point’ for his side
Fernandez’s partnership with Moises Caicedo (left), which is worth over £220million, has received widespread criticism
The midfielder appeared to release frustration in his celebration for the goal, taking off his shirt and holding it up to the camera as he was mobbed by his team-mates.
Chelsea won the game 3-1 overall, with Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson also on the score sheet. Moussa Diaby scored a late consolation for the hosts.
