Enzo and Caicedo answer critics as they lead Blues to FA Cup fifth round
CHELSEA went some way to answering their critics as they swept aside Aston Villa 3-1 tonight.
The Blues came into the match at Villa Park on the back of back-to-back convincing defeats to Liverpool and Wolves.
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But Mauricio Pochettino will have bought himself more time after they convincingly defeated the Premier League's fourth-placed side to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Chelsea were dominant from the start against the Villains as they picked up form again.
It was Conor Gallagher who opened the scoring in the eleventh minute, which was quickly followed by a goal from Nicolas Jackson ten minutes later.
Enzo Fernandez put the tie beyond doubt in the 54th minute with a brilliant curling free-kick past his compatriot Emi Martinez.
The goal was clearly an important one for Enzo, who took off his shirt and held it up for the away fans to show that he was a player who will stay.
Both he and Moises Caicedo were forced to delete their social media accounts earlier this week, but responded emphatically and both performed excellently.
This is how the Chelsea players rated…
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DJORDJE PETROVIC-6
Well positioned for routine stops from Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins and John McGinn in the first half. I had no more saves to make in second place for a late Villa consolation.
MALO GUSTO-8
Recovered well from a shaky start in defense and became one of the stars of the first half. Full of running, his brilliant cross scored the second goal.
AXEL DISASI-8
After the early scare I didn't have much to do in the first half. Or in the second to an excellent block on McGinn, shot and tackle on Jacob Ramsey.
BENOIT BADIASHILE-7
Gave Mrs Silva no reason to complain that her husband had been ousted, ensuring Watkins was treated well and avoided a repeat of recent blunders.
BEN CHILWELL-7
A little disappointing in the build-up, but solid at the back as Leon Bailey and the rest of the Villa attack barely got a look.
MOISES CAICEDO-9
This was more like the £1 billion man, or whatever he cost. Brave, strong, smart. You never know, it could catch on.
ENZO FERNANDEZ-9
Less conspicuous than Caicedo until his brilliant free-kick made it three, but also played a big role in destroying Villa's much-vaunted midfield.
NONI MADUEKE-7
Gallagher provided the opening goal well and posed a threat with direct running. However, a final pass or shot is often missing.
NICHOLAS JACKSON-7
His run and deflected pass led to the opener. A feeling of happiness about his header for the second, he also ran out of steam in the second half.
COLE PALMER-6
He worked hard and tried to make things happen, but still wasn't quite the player who forced his way into the English reckoning.
CONOR GALLAGHER-8
Played as a striker for much of the match and got his goal as one. It still showed up everywhere on the field. The heartbeat of the homegrown team.
REPLACEMENTS
RAHEEM STERLING (for Madueke, 75 minutes) – 6
Had little time or need to make an impact but kept Villa honest with energy
THIAGO SILVA (for Palmer, 81) – 6
I was brought in to finish the match in a back five and made a late header clearance.
ALFIE GILCHRIST (for Badiashile, 88) – 5
The Frenchman was punched, so the Academy product was filled in.
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Jackson, 88) – 5
A symbolic performance for the attacker as the match came to an end.