Chelsea player ratings vs Aston Villa: Two 5/10s let team down after late Watkins winner | Football | Sport

December 27, 2025 2,694

Chelsea threw away a 1-0 half-time lead as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa following a scintillating game at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea went ahead eight minutes before half-time as Joao Pedro turned home Reece James’ corner. The home side produced free-flowing, attacking football during the first half as they took the game to Unai Emery’s men. But they were wasteful in front of goal and were made to pay when Villa substitute Ollie Watkins found the back of the net just after the hour mark. The visitors appeared to be the more likely of the two teams to win the game, and they did just that six minutes before the end as Watkins bagged his second of the evening. And Express Sport rates and slates the Chelsea players.

Chelsea player ratings vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)

Robert Sanchez: 6

Didn’t have much to do in the first-half as his defence produced a huge shift to keep Villa at bay. Was forced into action after the break and was brave to deny Boubacar Kamara an hour into the match. But couldn’t keep out Watkins’ double. Was lucky not to be sent off late on after sliding out of his penalty area with the ball in his hands.

Reece James: 7

Lined up in his more usual position at right-back. Made an impression in possession and also got in some decent tackles throughout the match. Sent in the corner that led to the opening goal. Such a key player for the Blues.

Benoit Badiashile: 6

Took a poor touch to allow Morgan Rogers in early on but made amends by thwarting the England international in the same passage of play. Was exposed at times in the second period as Villa played though the Chelsea midfield.

Trevoh Chalobah: 7

Kept the ball moving in the first-half. Had more pressure to deal with after the interval and was unable to deal with Watkins’ threat for Villa’s first goal as the England striker got the better of him in the box.

Marc Cucurella: 7

Was excellent in defence and attack for much of the game as he linked up well with Alejandro Garnacho down the left. Should have played simple to Moises Caicedo ahead of Watkins’ first strike. Was taken off with just over 20 minutes left. If he was more consistent he would be one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.

Enzo Fernandes: 5

Fluffed his lines when presented with an excellent opportunity midway through the first-half after being teed-up by Cole Palmer. Has been quiet in front of goal in recent months and Chelsea are missing his output.

Moises Caicedo: 5

Fizzed in plenty of good passes to his team-mates as he looked to take hold of the match in the centre of the pitch early on. But didn’t assert his authority enough in the second period as Villa fought back and gained the upper hand. Committed too many fouls and his team-mates needed more from him.

Pedro Neto: 7

Was very lively as he dribbled forward with purpose and whipped balls in to the box in an attempt to carve out chances for his Blues team-mates. Was convinced his side should have been awarded a penalty at the start of the second period.

Cole Palmer: 6

Dazzled early on with an incredible touch to carve out a big chance for himself. Pulled off a number of nutmegs as he illustrated his technical ability but failed to impact the match in the way he would have liked.

Alejandro Garnacho: 6

Got on the ball in the early stages as he tried to hurt the Villa defence. Made plenty of dangerous runs and may have found the net on another day after being presented with chances to score. Can’t dribble as well as Pedro Neto but is a threat.

Joao Pedro: 7

Forced Emi Martinez into a fine save midway through the first-half as he was denied by the Argentina international. Thought he should have had a penalty in the opening period after being challenged by Victor Lindelof, but the referee waved away his protests. Popped up with the opening goal after getting on the end of James’ corner but couldn’t add to his tally.