Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea Highlights

Chelsea battled back to defeat Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park.

Frank Lampard‘s Blues have now opened up a five-point gap over Manchester United in fourth place following quickfire goals from Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud.

Chelsea controlled the first half but fell behind when Kepa failed to hold Anwar El Ghazi’s shot and Kortney Hause was on hand to bundle in.

Lampard sent Pulisic on in the 55th minute and five minutes later the United States international equalised when he lashed Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross into the roof of the net.

Olivier Giroud then sealed victory two minutes later when he drove in from 15 yards with the help of a slight deflection.

Pulisic was playing his first game since New Year’s Day after recovering from injury and Lampard is confident he will be an important player for him in the run-in.

It has been a tough return to Premier League action for Aston Villa, who resumed their survival bid against two opponents fighting to secure European football next season.

They were fortunate to pick up a point against Sheffield United, with goalline technology failing to register a goal for the Blades.

But despite seeing their winless run in the Premier League extended to six games, there are some signs of encouragement for Villa.

They competed well against high-flying Sheffield United and against Chelsea they started with a good shape and discipline that initially served to frustrate their opponents, although seemingly lacked a Plan B and never looked like getting back into the game once they fell behind.