Chelsea fans mocked as Aston Villa star targeted in 'ironic' Stamford Bridge scenes

Chelsea supporters have been made to look foolish after aiming chants at one Aston Villa star at Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer versus Morgan Rogers was expected to be the biggest battle on Saturday, 27 December, but with Matty Cash booked in the opening half, it appeared to be his fight against Alejandro Garnacho.

Villa have emerged as outside favourites for the Premier League title race, but with the Blues now just four points behind, it is anyone's guess who lifts the trophy come May next year.

Ahead of welcoming the Villans to West London, Chelsea had drawn 2-2 with Newcastle United in a game of two halves, but they were totally on top this time, with the supporters getting fully involved.

There appeared to be jibes being aimed at Palmer in the opening 45 minutes, and in turn, Blues fans turned to Unai Emery's biggest star, Rogers, and the irony was not lost on one journalist present.

Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer both targeted at Stamford Bridge

After their own superstar was subjected to opposition chants, the Blues went for Rogers, but it was quickly pointed out that the two are best friends behind the scenes, even sharing a celebration.

Writing for BBC Sport (27 December), reporter Nizaar Kinsella said: "After seeing Cole Palmer face similar abuse from the away end, Chelsea’s home supporters in the Matthew Harding End mock Morgan Rogers.

"According to those fans, Rogers is 'a rubbish Palmer' — expletive removed. It is ironic that both players regard each other as their best friends in football," as the home fans tried to even up scores off the field.

Villa fans will argue that their player is currently more likely to get into Thomas Tuchel's lineup on the international stage, but come the 2026 World Cup, that could have all changed.

Aston Villa star gets the last laugh vs Chelsea

While Rogers lasted the full 90 minutes, playing a key role as Villa won their 11th game in a row across all competitions, Palmer was hooked by Enzo Maresca, which turned out to be an awful decision.

There were still 20 minutes left when this decision was made, and just six minutes before the final whistle, Ollie Watkins rose highest in the penalty area to net his second of the game.

The Blues could have replaced Liverpool in fourth place with a win, which was looking likely at the half-time break, but after some strange substitutions, all of that came crumbling back down.

Stamford Bridge's atmosphere appeared to be one full of banter, that was until the Blues went behind in dramatic fashion, when it quickly became a toxic one.