Marcus Rashford stunning, Matty Cash flops – Aston Villa ratings in win v Chelsea
Aston Villa came from behind thanks to two goals from Marco Asensio and two assists from Marcus Rashford to beat Chelsea 2-1.
Enzo Fernandez scored the opener for the Blues after just nine minutes, with Pedro Neto blitzing past Ian Maatsen to set-up the Argentinean midfielder.
Asensio then levelled in the 57th minute, as the Spaniard scored his first goal as a Villain, with Rashford providing the assist, also his first for the club.
The Spaniard and the Englishman proved themselves to be phenomenal January business, with Rashford once again assisting Asensio in the 88th minute for a Villa winner.
Unai Emery inspires Aston Villa with substitutions
Emi Martinez – 7
Ended up on his backside after a feint from Cole Palmer, otherwise fantastic for Villa.
Matty Cash (off for Garcia 70′) – 4
First start since 26 January against West Ham, still not up to pace after a long injury lay-off.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Konsa started his first game after an injury against Tottenham in the FA Cup. Allowed Fernandez to creep in behind him for Chelsea’s opener. Made up for his mistake in the second half by clearing off the line.
Tyrone Mings injury another concern for Aston Villa
Tyrone Mings (off for Bogarde 59′) – 7
The captain was having a fine game until injury forced him off on the hour mark.
Ian Maatsen – 5
Caught out of position and beaten too easily by Neto for Fernandez’s opener.
John McGinn – 7
Energetic and creative, performed well against Chelsea’s talented midfield.
Youri Tielemans – 8
Another sublime performance from the Belgium, the best passer on every pitch he steps on at the moment.
Morgan Rogers (off for Malen 78′) – 5
Played out of position to accommodate Asensio once again, still struggling to get to grips with the right-wing position.
Marco Asensio double gives Aston Villa all three points
Marco Asensio – 8
Asensio joined Aston Villa in January from PSG, scored his first goal as a Villain.
Jacob Ramsey (off for Rashford 45′) – 5
Starting ahead of January signing from Man United Marcus Rashford, replaced at half-time by his English teammate.
Ollie Watkins (off for Bailey 77′) – 5
Aston Villa rejected a £60million bid from Arsenal for Watkins, the former Brentford striker was disappointing against the Blues
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford (on for Ramsey 46′) – 8 – Player of the Match
The England international is a man reborn under Unai Emery, and had two assists off the bench.
Lamare Bogarde (on for Mings 59′) – 5
Not a natural centre-back and it showed, did enough to help his side win.
Andres Garcia (on for Cash 70′) – 6
Looked comfortable in dealing with Christopher Nkunku and Jadon Sancho.
Leon Bailey (on for Watkins 77′) – 6
Full of running, but little supply for the Jamaican in his cameo.
Donyell Malen (on for Rogers 78′) – 6
Put through on goal by Rashford but fluffed his lines late on.