Chelsea ended their three-game losing streak with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday with help from Aston Villa goalkeeper, Brad Guzan.
Heading into the game, both sides were in desperate need of a win. With only four points separating the teams, both managers were feeling the heat only two months into the new season.
Without a win in seven matches, Aston Villa made a bright start, creating a number of chances in the opening 30 minutes, with Rudy Gestede coming closest.
Meanwhile, the defending champions, who had only won two games all season, were struggling to find fluidity in their game.
When a team is struggling, a stroke of fortune is often needed to help turn things around. Chelsea was given that stroke of fortune in the 34th minute.
An over-hit clearance from Guzan put Joleon Lescott under pressure. The defender’s loose touch was pounced upon by Willian who then played in Diego Costa for a simple tap-in.
Chelsea doubled their lead early in the second half, courtesy of a wicked deflection off Alan Hutton, to run out eventual 2-0 winners. The victory was only the Blues’ second win at Stamford Bridge this season in the Premier League.
The afternoon was looking like it was going to be another frustrating one for the defending champions, but Guzan’s error turned the game on its head.
But it’s not the first time the 31-year-old has made a blunder. The United States goalkeeper was dropped last season following his calamitous error which handed Sergio Aguero the opening goal in their 3-2 loss at the Etihad Stadium.
Saturday’s loss has sunk Aston Villa deeper into the relegation zone and heaped more pressure on manager Tim Sherwood.
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So for his horrific pass, which effectively led to Chelsea’s opening goal, Brad Guzan is this week’s EPL Villain of the Week.
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