PLAYER RATINGS: Malo Gusto stars for a reinvigorated Chelsea in their 3-1 FA Cup win over Aston Villa… as Enzo Fernandez put the shine on a much improved display

Chelsea produced a much improved display to secure a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa and advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Conor Gallagher set the visitors on their way by scoring his first goal of the season, producing a fine finish following Noni Madueke’s pass.

The Blues lead was doubled by Nicolas Jackson as the forward guided in a cross from the impressive Malo Gusto.

Enzo Fernandez then scored the pick of the goals with his curling free kick finding the top corner, before substitute Moussa Diaby pulled one back for Aston Villa in stoppage time.

 Here, Mail Sport’s RIATH AL-SAMARRAI provides player ratings.

Enzo Fernandez’s brilliant goal crowned a dominant display by Chelsea against Aston Villa 

The Blues produced an  improved display to earn a 3-1 win and reach the FA Cup fifth round

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)

Emiliano Martinez 6 – There was little the Argentine could do to prevent Chelsea‘s three goals on the night.

Matty Cash 6 – Restored to the starting eleven in place of the injured Ezri Konsa. Questions over his positioning in the build-up to Chelsea’s opening goal.

Diego Carlos 5 – Allowed Nicolas Jackson to ghost in to head in Chelsea’s second of the night. Booked.

Clement Lenglet 5 – The Frenchman has become a regular starter in recent weeks, but has been part of a back-line to ship six goals in their last two home matches.

Alex Moreno 5 – Gave Malo Gusto far too much space, allowing the Chelsea full back to pick out Jackson for the crucial second goal. Wasted an early opening.

Boubcar Kamara 6.5 – Gave away possession in the build-up to Chelsea’s opening goal, but tried to help Aston Villa gain a foothold in the match.

Captain John McGinn was one of Aston Villa’s better performers on a difficult night

Top scorer Ollie Watkins was starved of service throughout the FA Cup fourth round replay

Douglas Luiz 6 – Below his usual high standards for the hosts as Aston Villa failed to win the midfield battle.

Leon Bailey 6 – Some bright moments, but faded in and out of the match.

Youri Tielemens 5.5 – Conceded the foul which led to Chelsea’s third and failed to offer Ollie Watkins service in attack.

John McGinn 6.5 – The Aston Villa captain barged Caicedo off the ball to generate and early chance, but fired over before half-time as his side chased a way back into the game.

Ollie Watkins 6 – Villa’s top scorer was starved of service all night.

Subs

Ramsey – 6

Diaby – 7 – Made an impact of the bench, scoring a well taken consolation in stoppage time.

Iroegbunman – N/A

Zaniolo – N/A 

Chelsea (4-3-3)

Djordje Petrovic 7 – A solid display between the sticks for the Serbian goalkeeper, who could do little about Diaby’s late consolation.

Malo Gusto 8 – Responded from a poor performance against Wolves with a superb display at Villa Park. Produced an excellent cross for Jackson to score the second.

Axel Disasi 6.5 – An improved showing from the centre back, who made a key block from John McGinn.

Benoit Badiashile 6 – A solid performance at the heart of Chelsea’s defence after an early escape when he lost possession to Bailey in a dangerous area.

Ben Chilwell 6.5 – Showed signs he is getting back to full fitness and provided much needed balance down the Chelsea left.

Malo Gusto produced a superb performance following a difficult match against Wolves

Enzo Fernandez stunning free-kick sealed Chelsea’s place in the fifth round of the FA Cup

Moises Caicedo 6.5 – Recovered from an early mistake which presented Leon Bailey with an opening. Another Chelsea played much improved from recent matches.

Enzo Fernandez 7.5 – Delivered an exclamation point on a dominant Chelsea performance with his stunning free-kick.

Conor Gallagher 7.5 – His composed finish gave the Blues the lead on the night and eased nerves after a tough week for the club.

Noni Madueke 7.5 – An impressive display capped by providing the assist for Gallagher’s opener.

Cole Palmer 6.5 – A quieter night for Chelsea’s top scorer, but contributed to the team performance.

Nicolas Jackson 7 – The much maligned striker grabbed the vital second goal, ghosting in between Matty Cash and Diego Carlos to head home.

Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea crucical breathing space on the night by heading in a second

Subs

Sterling – 6

Silva – N/A 

Gilchrist – N/A

Nkunku – N/A