Chelsea’s impressive start to life under Graham Potter continued today after they secured a 2-0 away win against Aston Villa.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard came into the came under serious pressure and his side got off to a disastrous start when Mason Mount pounced on a woeful defensive header by Tyrone Mings to calmly volley past the onrushing Emi Martinez.
Mings knew he f**ked up. pic.twitter.com/DvGg0qWPqQ
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) October 16, 2022
The home side were unlucky not to draw level on 15 minutes, with Chelsea keeper Kepa forced into an excellent double stop from John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey.
Five minutes later and Leon Bailey should have scored but the Jamacia international headed against the bar from just a couple of yards out and with the goal gaping.
Chelsea would once again have Kepa to thank for keeping the score level, the Spaniard denying Danny Ings with a world-class save from point-blank range.
Just before half-time – and very much against the run of play – Graham Potter’s Blues almost went two up, but Raheem Sterling’s curling effort from 12 yards out clipped the crossbar.
Villa continued to dominate after the break, but once again struggled to make the best of the chances they created and in the 65th minute Mount would score his second and effectively kill the game. The 23-year-old England international curled home a dipping free-kick from 25 yards, although replays suggested that Villa ‘keeper Martinez really should have done a whole lot better.
Chelsea further consolidated their place in fourth with this win after Man United and Newcastle drew at Old Trafford and speaking afterwards Potter was delighted with the win even though he admitted his side had to ‘suffer’ for large periods.
“It was a tough game,” Potter told Sky Sports.
”Aston Villa made us suffer, especially in the first half even though we took the lead. They put us under pressure and our goalkeeper made some good saves.
“It’s important coming back from the Champions League game to respond. Am delighted for the players and it’s a big three points for us. They have good players, the crowd gets involved in the game.
“Results are important and it’s relentless, that’s how we have to manage the players and the squad.”
“We believe in Mason Mount a lot. We love him as a player and he is a great guy. You can see the influence he has on the team and he works really hard for us.
