Chelsea vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction tonight
Follow all the action live from Stamford Bridge
Follow all the action as Chelsea host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Thomas Tuchel’s team have started the new campaign in good form, winning two and drawing one so far, while Villa have taken four points from their first three matches in something of a new era after selling Jack Grealish in the summer. Chelsea are boosted by the news that they are one of the teams who have ultimately been allowed to play their South American players after the international break fiasco, though Thiago Silva is in the line-up having not been a regular starter at the beginning of this season.
Saul is involved for his debut after joining from Atletico Madrid on deadline day, while Aston Villa are still looking to start getting the best out of some of their new arrivals, including Leon Bailey. The more optimistic fans of Dean Smith’s side might have been hoping for a push at the European spots this season, but it looks more competitive and congested at the top end of the table than ever.
Follow all the team news and updates here as Chelsea face Aston Villa, as well as the end of the Manchester United vs Newcastle match as Cristiano Ronaldo scores on his comeback:
Tale of two midfielders for Chelsea
The contrast in Chelsea’s first-half display was most evident in the respective performances of Saul Niguez and Mateo Kovacic.
The latter created the only goal of the game so far superbly, winning the ball back in midfield before moving forward and clipping a precise through ball towards the penalty area for Lukaku to do the rest.
Saul, on the other hand, has dawdled on the ball in midfielder and been caught in possession on far too many occasions. His need for extra time is costing his team in dangerous areas and he’s been bailed out by team-mates including Mendy and Thiago Silva too often.
It might not be long until we see Jorginho replace him.
Half-time and Chelsea lead against impressive Villa
45+2 - The referee has blown the half-time whistle and somehow Chelsea remain in the lead at Stamford Bridge despite being second best for the majority of the contest.
Romelu Lukaku scored his first goal in 15 appearances at this stadium to the give the Blues the lead, collecting a wonderful ball from Mateo Kovacic before turning past Axel Tuanzebe and tucking a finish through Jed Steer’s legs.
But since then Villa have had all of the chances and the brilliance of Édouard Mendy is the major reason Thomas Tuchel’s men still hold the advantage.
Mendy saves from Ramsay
42’ - Ezri Konsa wins the ball back with a sliding tackle in midfield and sets Jacob Ramsay on his way. The 20-year-old advances towards the penalty area and hits a left-footed shot in the direction of the near post which Édouard Mendy once again has to react quickly to save.
Ramsay is impressing here so far but Mendy has been by far the most valuable player on the pitch.
Saúl having a nightmare
37’ - Saul Niguez has been absolutely dreadful this afternoon and has just given the ball away again in a dangerous area under no pressure whatsoever.
Thiago Silva makes a foul to stop an attack progressing and is fortunate to get away without a booking.
McGinn floats the cross towards Konsa at the far post but it’s too heavy and out for a goal-kick.
Super double save from Mendy
33’ - Tyrone Mings takes the ball down in the penalty area from a free-kick and hits a half volley towards goal which Édouard Mendy palms away, before a re-bound shot comes from Ezri Konsa which the Chelsea stopper does brilliantly to claw around the post.
Villa are completely dominating play here, and creating plenty of chances, but they need to take advantage now.
Mings goes into the book
27’ - Tyrone Mings is the second Villa player to go into the book in this first-half.
He spotted an opportunity to try and win the ball back high up the pitch but slid directly into Callum Hudson-Odoi rather than taking the ball.
Deserved.
Block by Silva with Mendy stranded
24’ - Saul is caught in possession by John McGinn and then Ollie Watkins is found in the penalty area.
He rounds Édouard Mendy and pulls the trigger but Thiago Silva has positioned himself well and makes the block around eight yards out from goal.
It’s been all Villa since the Lukaku opener.
Mendy saves directly from corner
19’ - John McGinn takes an in-swinging corner aimed at Tyrone Mings at the near post.
The England centre-back can’t make a connection and neither can Douglas Luiz, but Mendy still has to make a save as the ball had so much curl on it that it was travelling directly towards the net.
The Lukaku goals certainly hasn’t damaged Villa spirits.
Watkins forces excellent Mendy save
17’ - Villa respond quickly with Jacob Ramsay carrying the ball up the pitch and finding Ollie Watkins in the penalty area.
The England striker gets the ball out of his feet and hits a powerful low left-footed shot towards the near post which Édouard Mendy does brilliantly to turn behind for a corner.
GOAL! Romelu Lukaku scores first Stamford Bridge goal
14’ - He really is some player, isn’t he?
Romelu Lukaku is on fire in his second Chelsea spell and has given them the lead here after latching onto a superb Mateo Kovacic through ball, before cutting inside Axel Tuanzebe with his left foot and slamming a finish through Jed Steer’s legs with his right.
Great goal, great start.
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