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Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (7/10):
Could have sat down with a cup of tea for much of the contest but when he was called upon, the Spaniard had a very impressive game, making saves galore. It all proved in vain, though.
Reece James (7/10):
The skipper was back in at right-back for this one, after starring in midfield in recent weeks, but it made no difference as he was a force to be reckoned with in the first half. But even he could not single-handedly guide his team to victory.
Benoit Badiashile (5/10):
Was handed a rare Premier League start and largely dealt well with Donyell Malen but his wayward pass was pounced upon by Villa and seconds later it was 1-1. May not get many more opportunities in the Chelsea backline as a result.
Trevoh Chalobah (5/10):
The defender was relatively untroubled for the first 60 minutes, but, crucially, he was pipped to the post by Watkins for Villa's equaliser. From thereon in, he struggled with the irresistible England forward.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
The curly-haired Spanish international was here, there, and everywhere in the opening 45 but when Villa came alive, he was repeatedly caught out of position.
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Moises Caicedo (5/10):
Chelsea are so much better with the former Brighton man in their midfield, and when his team were on the back foot, he still got stuck in. Even he was caught in possession, though.
Enzo Fernandez (6/10):
Gives Chelsea's midfield a bit more bite, control, and substance, but he could not stop the tide turning in Chelsea's favour.
Cole Palmer (6/10):
The England star showed flashes of quality, with a nutmeg here and a delightful pass there but he was caught in possession and his influence waned when his side struggled. He wasn't happy being subbed off, either, and arguably lost the battle of the Three Lions' number 10s.
AFPAttack
Pedro Neto (4/10):
Has been one of Chelsea's best players this season but was too ineffectual against Villa.
Joao Pedro (7/10):
Did some of the unglamorous work off the ball and his efforts paid off with a fortuitous goal. However, he was replaced by Liam Delap, suggesting Maresca wanted more from the Brazilian.
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
Didn't have a huge amount of joy in one-on-one situations with Villa's Matty Cash and other than running a lot, needs to offer more end product.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Malo Gusto (5/10):
Couldn't make a noteworthy impression on the encounter.
Liam Delap (4/10):
His most telling impact off the bench was receiving a booking.
Jamie Gittens (4/10):
Did very little off the bench.
Estevao (5/10):
Had very little chance to shine.
Enzo Maresca (4/10):
While the Italian was able to turn things around against Newcastle United last time out, Chelsea looked bereft of ideas when Villa got back into the game. Perhaps they missed his presence on the touchline, with the former Leicester City boss serving a one-match ban. His substitutes did very little as well.
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