Yahoo News John Townley's Aston Villa player ratings after dramatic 2-2 draw with Chelsea
Aston Villa surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Chelsea at Villa Park.
Marc Cucurella scored an own goal in the fourth minute, before Morgan Rogers doubled Villa’s advantage before the break. Emi Martinez was replaced at half-time through injury, but Villa were second best on the night and were fortunate to be leading for as long as they were before Conor Gallagher levelled in the 81st minute.
The draw extends Villa’s gap to Tottenham to seven points ahead of Sunday’s north London derby. After already meeting three times this season, with Villa winning in the league and Chelsea victorious in the FA Cup after a replay, Unai Emery’s side were hoping to complete their first league double over the Blues for 34 years.
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Emery made one change from the side which beat Bournemouth last time out, as Douglas Luiz came in after completing his domestic suspension for Moussa Diaby.
But the winger would come into the game halfway through the first period after Youri Tielemans sustained an injury. By that time, Chelsea were the better of the two sides and saw VAR rule out what Nicolas Jackson thought was an equaliser.
The Blues fell behind when Lucas Digne played the ball across the box towards John McGinn, whose effort on goal was going wide before it deflected off Cucurella and beyond Dorde Petrovic.
Jackson was denied by the post from close range eight minutes before Rogers put Villa two goals ahead before half-time. After receiving the ball from Matty Cash on the edge of the box, he finished with aplomb at the near post.
Martinez appeared to receive treatment on his hamstring in the first half and he was replaced during the interval for Robin Olsen. The Sweden international conceded in the 63rd minute when Madueke found the far corner from inside the box.
Gallagher completed the comeback for Chelsea when he bent the ball over Olsen. As the clock ticked down, Ollie Watkins was presented with an opportunity to restore the lead, but he blazed over from inside the box.
The drama didn’t end until the final moments of the match as VAR ruled out what Chelsea thought was a winner when Axel Disasi’s header came off the bar and bounced in off Olsen. It was ruled out for a foul on Diego Carlos. The corner came about because Olsen denied Cole Palmer in a one-on-one.
Player ratings
Emi Martinez
Martinez came off injured at half-time. 6
Matty Cash
He picked the perfect option in Rogers to assist Villa's second goal of the night. Cash also held his line well against Jackson when the striker thought he had ran clear to level the game in the first half. 7
Ezri Konsa
Konsa was strong in his duels and nearly faultless when in possession of the ball. 6
Pau Torres
He makes his role look so easy at times, progressing the ball and taking calculated risks on the ball. 6
Lucas Digne
It was his ball across the box which enabled Villa to take the lead early on. Digne had a tough task keeping a lid on Madueke who caused problems all night. 6
Douglas Luiz
Luiz came back into the XI after missing the last two league games through suspension. Villa lacked control against Chelsea and the Brazilian gifted them the chance to score when he lost the ball in a dangerous area. Madueke punished Villa for Luiz's uncharacteristic lapse. 5
Youri Tielemans
The Belgian came off injured in the 27th minute. It's a big blow for Villa who are now lacking options in midfield. N/A
Leon Bailey
Bailey dazzled on the right wing when he had the opportunity - his tricks were too much for Cucurella. He was always an outlet for Villa, but his teammates couldn't gain control of the game. 6
John McGinn
McGinn started the game in a more advanced role, but dropped back into the double pivot with Luiz after Tielemans came off injured. 6
Morgan Rogers
Growing in confidence and stature every time he plays for Villa, Rogers is becoming a key player for Emery's Villa. He only needed one sight of goal to bag his third goal in four games. 7
Ollie Watkins
It was another tireless performance from Watkins, who led the line well. He had one chance to score what would have been his 20th league goal of the season, but he blazed over from inside the box. 7
SUBS
Moussa Diaby (for Tielemans, 27'): Diaby played in support of Watkins, but he had few chances to get on the ball and express himself. He came off late in the second half for Duran. 6
Robin Olsen (for Martinez, 45'): Olsen commanded his box and distributed the ball well. He saved a point for Villa by denying Palmer in a one-on-one in second half added time. 6
Tim Iroegbunam (for Luiz, 75'): The youngster impressed. He won the ball back on a few occasions and used possession well. 6
Diego Carlos (for Bailey, 75'): N/A
Jhon Duran (for Diaby, 82'): N/A
Subs not used: Chambers, Lenglet, Kesler-Hayden, Kellyman.
GOALS
Aston Villa: Cucurella OG (4'), Rogers (42')
Chelsea: Madueke (63'), Gallagher (81')
