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Chelsea logo
Premier League
Sep 27, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Aston Villa logo

3-0

Oscar (7'), Costa (59'), Willian (79')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Player Ratings: Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa

Sports Mole looks at who impressed during this afternoon's meeting between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea brushed aside Aston Villa 3-0 at Stamford Bridge this afternoon to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

An early goal from Oscar set the Blues on their way, although Villa stood firm until Diego Costa added a second just short of the hour.

Willian rounded off the scoring a little over 10 minutes from time to see Jose Mourinho's men retain their advantage at the top of the Premier League table.

Here, Sports Mole looks at who impressed during the 90 minutes in West London.


Diego Costa of Chelsea is congratiulated by teammate Willian of Chelsea after scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on September 27, 2014© Getty Images

Chelsea

Goal

Thibaut Courtois: Had next to nothing to do all game, being forced into making just one save across the 90 minutes. (7/10)

Defence

Branislav Ivanovic: As energetic as ever getting forward, Ivanovic proved a real menace in the opposition box. He could not add to his four previous goals scored against Villa, though. (8/10)

John Terry: Chelsea's back line had little to deal with this afternoon, but Terry ensured that he remained strong at the heart of defence. (7/10)

Gary Cahill: Conceded a pretty needless free kick in the first half which led to his caution. Headed away rare crosses into the box when called upon (7/10)

Cesar Azpilicueta: Loves getting forward down the left, and his inch-perfect cross was headed home by Costa to seal to points for the Blues. (8/10)

Midfield

Cesc Fabregas: Dictates play for Chelsea in his deep-lying position, spraying balls around the field. Lively throughout and at the heart of all things good for his side. (8/10)

Nemanja Matic: Like Fabregas, Matic helps control the pace of the game from his starting position in front of the back four. That said, the Serbian always seems to be available around the opposition box, which almost paid dividends. (7/10)

Willian: Villa struggled to deal with the Brazilian throughout, which was highlighted perfectly early on when he set up Oscar after seeing his initial shot blocked. Added goal of his own 10 minutes from time to cap fine display. (9/10)

Oscar: Brought into the fold following his goal-scoring display against Bolton Wanderers last time out and rewarded his manager with another goal today. Perhaps should have added his second when through in the second half. (8/10)

Eden Hazard: His tricky feet prove a nightmare to deal with week after week. Largely quiet this afternoon, but always a danger nonetheless when on the ball. (7/10)

Attack

Diego Costa: The Spain international keeps breaking records with each passing match, adding his eighth goal after timing his run to perfection to nod home. First Chelsea player since Adrian Mutu 11 years ago to score in his first three home games. (8/10)

Substitutes

Andre Schurrle: Was introduced with 20 minutes to go, in which time Chelsea simply kept the ball ticking over before adding a third. (7/10)

John Obi Mikel: Jose Mourinho made his intentions clear when bringing on Mikel to sit in front of the defence. Did what was asked of him during his time on the field. (6/10)

Loic Remy: Being kept out of the team by Costa at the moment, and that does not look like changing any time soon in fairness. Will be needed more prominently as season progresses. (6/10)


Aly Cissokho of Aston Villa in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Aston Villa at Britannia Stadium on August 16, 2014© Getty Images

Aston Villa

Goal

Brad Guzan: Could do nothing about Chelsea's third goal, but the first two came about after he parried shots into the path of the hosts' grateful players. (5/10)

Defence

Alan Hutton: Managed to get away Villa's only shot on goal, although largely struggled to get forward throughout. (6/10)

Philippe Senderos: A fantastic tackle on Costa in the early stages looked to set the tone, but was put through a difficult afternoon by Chelsea's marauding midfielders in particular. (7/10)

Nathan Baker: Was completely outclassed by Costa for the Blues' second goal, but should not be too disheartened by that. Will need to put in a consistent, solid display against Manchester City next weekend. (6/10)

Aly Cissokho: Came close to levelling the game in the first half with his looping shot. Also managed to get forward a few times with little end product to show. (7/10)

Midfield

Tom Cleverley: Had a quiet game bar a five-minute spell after the break when he managed to get his foot on the ball. Better afternoons to come for the Manchester United loanee. (6/10)

Fabian Delph: Has the ability to glide away from opposition players, but struggled to make an impact this afternoon against Chelsea's strong looking midfield. (7/10)

Ashley Westwood: Recovered from illness to start at Stamford Bridge, but lasting impression is the occasions in which he failed to beat the first man from set pieces. Frustrating. (6/10)

Kieran Richarson: Another player who had a quiet afternoon before being replaced 20 minutes from time. On this showing, far more is needed to relieve the pressure when defending constant waves of attack. (5/10)

Attack

Andreas Weimann: Bar one blocked strike in the second half, it is difficult to remember Weimann doing anything before being withdrawn. (5/10)

Gabriel Agbonlahor: On his day the Englishman can be one of the division's most difficult players to defend against. This was not one of those days. (5/10)

Substitutes

Darren Bent: Out of favour at Villa Park and confidence will hardly improve when given just 20 minutes to make an impact. (5/10)

Charles N'Zogbia: Villa accepted defeat as soon as the third Chelsea goal hit the net, so N'Zogbia had little chance to make an impact on the contest. (5/10)


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Oscar of Chelsea celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on September 27, 2014
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