Chelsea closed the gap on Premier League title contenders Liverpool and Manchester City with a 3-1 away win against Aston Villa.

The hosts, who were without their manager Steven Gerrard due to COVID-19, started the game well and put Chelsea under some early pressure. Their approach paid off as they were rewarded with an own goal by Reece James in the 28th minute.

Villa’s joy did not last long, however, as Callum Hudson-Odoi was brought down by Villa defender Matty Cash in the penalty box, and Jorginho, calm as ever, dispatched the penalty expertly in the 34th minute.

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Villa and Chelsea headed to half-time with scores level, and Romelu Lukaku’s introduction in the second half changed things for the away side. The powerful Belgian striker was quick to make his presence felt and rewarded Thomas Tuchel’s faith in him by heading the ball past Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez in the 58th minute.

Hudson-Odoi had a golden chance to increase Chelsea’s lead in the 88th minute, but produced a tame shot that was saved comfortably by Martinez. Chelsea appeared to be inching closer to victory, but there was some last minute drama in store for the audience.

Deep into stoppage time, Lukaku latched onto a ball by Hudson-Odoi and raced into the opposition penalty box, only to be brought down by Ezri Konsa, who received a yellow card for his challenge on the big Belgian. The resulting penalty, as you would expect, was again dispatched expertly by the ever-consistent Jorginho in the 93rd minute, sealing three very important points for Chelsea.

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With title contenders Manchester City thumping Leicester 6-3 in the afternoon kick-off on Boxing Day, it was crucial for Chelsea to win their tie against Villa. City now sit at the top of the table with 47 points from 19 games, with Liverpool and Chelsea second and third respectively, with 41 points each. Liverpool, who had their fixture against Leeds postponed due to COVID-19, are ahead of Chelsea on goal difference and have a game in hand.

Upon being asked how big Chelsea’s victory over Villa was, Tuchel said, “For today? Very big. The boys are super tired, their effort was huge. We had a rough start, I had the feeling we tried to get away with skilful play. We go behind with an own goal, very unlucky, but the reaction was good.”

Next, Chelsea host Brighton at Stamford Bridge on December 29.