There was no shortage of drama at Stamford Bridge overnight as Chelsea claimed a 2-0 win over Aston Villa in trademark fashion.
Returning to domestic competition for the first time following a three-game retrospective ban, Diego Costa was at the centre of the spotlight once more, both for his prowess in front of goal and his tenacity for provoking opponents.
As the Blues were able to find some of the style that led them to the championship in 2014-15, a Villa side which showed no respect for the Stamford Bridge reputation and looked impressive on the ball before going behind after an unfortunate Brad Guzan error which saw the goalkeeper pass the ball straight to Willian, who squared it up for Costa a ease into an open net.
Although there was every bit of belief among the Villans that something could be taken from the clash, Chelsea were looking at their most confident so far this season and although there was some further antics with Richards, Costa’s strike which deflected of Alan Hutton put the finishing touches on what has been a rarely positive day in South London.
The win saved Jose Mourinho some major embarassment, while conversely sending Villa manager Tim Sherwood past the point of forgiveness.
Here is what Twitter had to say following the result:
Guess #Mourinho must be fervently thanking his lucky stars for Ivanovic’s injury & Guzan’s gift. #CFC live to fight another day! #cheavl
— Gautam Dey (@GautamICTHealth) October 17, 2015
A keeper mistake and an own goal. The only way Chelsea can actually win. Nice. ? #CHEAVL — Juliana (@JulianaCardenas) October 17, 2015
That’s a bit let-off, we weren’t simply good enough. We should prepare to play well against a better team #CHEAVL pic.twitter.com/h8YuXz0Uvd
— Aliu Ayobami Gbemi (@AliuAyobami) October 17, 2015
LOL. pic.twitter.com/2OIcbQY9Cp — Dan (@DolceAndMangala) October 17, 2015
No better team to play than aston villa when you need a result. Villas luck running out this season. @BBCSporf #avfc #CHEAVL
— Dermot Coey (@dermotcoey) October 17, 2015
is tim sherwood disabled? — m (@WattMilliams_) October 17, 2015
Jose Mourinho is going to buy Brad Guzan a bottle of wine for that one.
— Brooks Peck (@BrooksDT) October 17, 2015
Diego Costa takes a bullet to the chest, where’s the @FA? pic.twitter.com/0GkgY5R17d — Mourinholic (@Mourinholic) October 17, 2015
Stamford Bridge gives it’s own vocal vote of confidence to the manager, with a chorus of ‘José Mourinho’.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) October 17, 2015
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