Aston Villa vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result, latest updates and fan reaction | OneFootball

Blues out to consolidate themselves in Champions League conversation

Hat trick: Joao Pedro

Aston Villa vs Chelsea LIVE

Joao Pedro scored his first Premier League hat-trick as Chelsea came from behind to thump hosts Aston Villa 4-1 on Wednesday and move above Liverpool in the table as the race for Champions League places next season heats up. Douglas Luiz gave Villa an early lead, but that was as good as it got for the home side, as Chelsea, who began to dominate the contest, were clinical in front of goal.

Pedro’s treble takes his goal tally to 14 in the Premier League this season, while Cole Palmer was also on the scoresheet for the visitors in Chelsea's most convincing performance under new manager Liam Rosenior. The home side took the lead inside two minutes as Leon Bailey’s scuffed cross found its way to Luiz, who scored his first goal in more than two years. Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen made a smart save to deny Ollie Watkins, but the visitors gradually took control of the contest and were level on 35 minutes. Malo Gusto beat the offside trap and his low ball across the six-yard box was perfect for Pedro to steer into the net.

That dominance continued into the second half as Palmer added a third when Villa keeper Emi Martinez pushed the ball into his path as he attempted to clear a cross. Pedro completed his hat-trick with the easiest goal of the lot as Alejandro Garnacho got away behind the Villa defence and his square ball provided a tap-in for the Brazilian. He now has nine goals in his last nine games in all competitions.