Joao Pedro scores his first hat-trick as Chelsea smash Aston Villa

Things were not going well for Chelsea in the Premier League. Chasing a Champions League place they stumbled against relegation fighting teams, drawing against Leeds and Burnley. But on Wednesday night, they came to Birmingham to face their direct opponent in the Champions League and smashed them to bits: Aston Villa – Chelsea 1-4. This was an impressive performance from the Blues who conceded the goal in the third minute already, but managed to turn the game completely and score four unanswered goals. And the star of the game was Joao Pedro, who just loves to terrorize the Villans.

The Brazilian striker has been directly involved in five goals in five Premier League appearances against Aston Villa (2 goals, 3 assists), which is his personal best against any team, and he added three more goals and was easily the man of the match, with his first hat-trick in the Premier League. Apart from those goals, Chelsea had at least three excellent opportunities so the home fans have to be happy, as it could have been even worse. Aston Villa burst into the top three during their incredible run of eight consecutive wins, but is facing a battle to be among the top 5 teams which will play in the Champions League next season. They now have just one win in their last seven games and looked terrible on Wednesday. Coach Unai Emery called out the crowd and his team leaders before the game, but only fans showed up, his players didn’t and he will have to find a way out of this terrible form somehow.

The first half was as exciting as it gets. After just three minutes, Villa was up 1-0. A quick move from Bailey and his low cross found Luiz who slammed it from close range. And then Chelsea completely took over the game and created a couple of excellent chances before they finally equalized. Joao Pedro’s header from close range was saved by Martinez in the sixth minute and the Argentinian keeper did the same in the 16th minute, after a shot from his countrymen Garnacho. The only chance which Villa had was a good shot from distance in the 30th minute, but Watkins’ volley was saved by Jorgensen. And then Joao Pedro started his wonder night with an equalizer in the 35th minute. Watkins put Villa ahead but he was inches in offside and VAR ruled out the goal. And then Pedro turned the game completely over in injury time with a goal number two, after a great pass from Enzo.

Villa needed to step up in the second half, but they sank even deeper, allowing two more goals after which the game was over. Even the fans started to leave Villa Park 20 minutes from the end of the game. After a few excellent saves, Martinez was to blame for Villa’s third goal. James sent a pretty average ball into the box and Martinez flapped it into a dangerous area, straight to Palmer who riffled the finish past the Villa keeper. Joao Pedro scored his hat-trick in the 65th minute after a great pass from Garnacho, who surprisingly started the game and played excellent. He should have scored but both his chances, one in each half, were saved by Martinez.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 29

Tuesday

Bournemouth - Brentford 0-0

Everton - Burnley 2-0 (1-0)

/Tarkowski 32, Dewsbury-Hall 60/

Leeds - Sunderland 0-1 (0-0)

/Diarra 70 (p)/

Wolverhampton - Liverpool 2-1 (0-0)

/Gomes R. 78, Andre 90+4 - Salah 83/

Wednesday

Brighton - Arsenal 0-1 (0-1)

/Saka 9/

Fulham - West Ham 0-1 (0-0)

/Summerville 65/

Manchester City - Nottingham Forest 2-2 (1-0)

/Semenyo 31, Rodri 62 - Gibbs-White 56, Anderson 76/

Newcastle - Manchester United 2-1 (1-0)

/Gordon 45+6, Osula 90 - Casemiro 45+9/

Aston Villa - Chelsea 1-4 (1-2)

/Luiz 2 - Pedro 35, 45+6, 64, Palmer 55/

Thursday

23.00: (2.45) Tottenham (3.40) Crystal Palace (3.05)

***odds are subject to change***