In the final reckoning it was easier for Chelsea to talk about misfortune in front of goal and rage at an unpopular referee. There is comfort in complaining about injustice and Mauricio Pochettino could argue that his side’s second consecutive defeat at an irate Stamford Bridge hinged on Jarred Gillett dismissing Malo Gusto early in the second half, allowing Aston Villa to take control of a game that had threatened to run away from them.
Yet the problem with blaming the officials is that Chelsea no longer make their own luck. They have lost the fear factor at home and the situation is unlikely to improve until their main striker learns how to stay onside and manages to stop picking up cheap yellow cards.
