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.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea latest updates
- GOAL! Palmer makes it three
- GOAL! Joao Pedro nets second
- NO GOAL! Watkins goal ruled out for offside
- GOAL! Joao Pedro levels
- GOAL! Luiz opens scoring
That's all, folks!
22:15 , Oli GentThanks for joining us on Standard Sport, be sure to come back very soon for even more LIVE action.
Three things we learned from Chelsea win
22:15 , Oli GentSam Tabuteau picked out his three takeaways from tonight’s win, as Liam Rosenior’s shock decision was vindicated...
Chelsea player ratings
22:14 , Oli GentSam Tabuteau was on hand to rate the Chelsea players’ performances...
Sam Tabuteau reports
21:36 , Oli GentA statement victory and a huge three points for Chelsea in their hunt for Champions League football. An emphatic response to the weekend's defeat to Arsenal and thoroughly deserved.
FT: Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
21:35 , Oli GentThere’s the full-time whistle.
A huge performance from Chelsea, and a massive win for Liam Rosenior’s men in their Champions League chase.
Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
21:34 , Oli Gent90+6 mins: The ground is emptying, and Chelsea are mucking around killing time.
Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
21:29 , Oli Gent90+1 min: Six added minutes.
Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
21:29 , Oli Gent90 mins: Off the bar! Barkley teases it in and Abraham wins the header, but hits the woodwork.
Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
21:23 , Oli Gent85 mins: Joao Pedro is replaced by Delap, and Palmer is off for Santos.
Sam Tabuteau reports
21:23 , Oli Gent80 mins: Cucurella is on. His return to fitness is another massive boost for Chelsea on a night where everything has gone right so far. He sets the ball to Garnacho, who should make it five.
Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
21:18 , Oli Gent78 mins: Tosin and Cucurella are on for Fofana and Fernandez.
Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
21:14 , Oli Gent75 mins: Romeo Lavia is coming on for Chelsea, replacing Gusto.
Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
21:10 , Oli Gent72 mins: Abraham replaces Watkins.
Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
21:10 , Oli Gent71 mins: Not far away from Joao Pedro, who tries the acrobatic, but he directs the volley wide of the target. Full of confidence.
Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
21:07 , Oli Gent69 mins: Watkins is booked for a frustrated challenge on Fofana.
Sam Tabuteau reports
21:05 , Oli Gent67 mins: Hat-trick hero and Chelsea are in dreamland. Garnacho has been threatening to make Villa pay all night and he finally gets his touch right to break in behind and square for Pedro. The easiest of finishes for Pedro and Chelsea are coasting here.
Goal! Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
21:03 , Oli Gent65 mins: A hat-trick for Joao Pedro, as the Blues carve Villa apart once more. Garnacho is unselfish, played through by Palmer, but he squares it for his colleague to tap home for a fourth.
Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
21:02 , Oli Gent63 mins: Bailey, Buendia and Luiz are off, Barkley, Alysson and Sancho are on for Villa.
Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
20:59 , Oli Gent61 mins: Big chance! Watkins is through on goal as Chelsea are stretched at the back, but he hesitates and doesn’t get his shot off!
Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
20:57 , Oli Gent59 mins: Yellow card for Rogers for kicking the ball away, and Enzo Fernandez is also booked for dissent towards the referee.
Sam Tabuteau reports
20:56 , Oli Gent58 mins: I said Palmer was in the mood and he has delivered to give Chelsea daylight. More good play from Joao Pedro and Palmer pounces on Martinez's save to hammer Chelsea further ahead.
Goal! Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
20:55 , Oli Gent56 mins: It’s there, and it’s Palmer to make it three. Luiz wants a foul, but Chelsea work it down the right through James. He gets the cross in, Martinez palms it clear, but only into Palmer’s path, and he slots home with aplomb.
Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea
20:53 , Oli Gent55 mins: Joao Pedro is booked for a shirt pull on Konsa.
Sam Tabuteau reports
20:50 , Oli Gent53 mins: Twice Garnacho should have done better with the ball at his feet. He has had a good game so far, but it has not been the best start to this half for the Argentina winger.
Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea
20:48 , Oli Gent50 mins: It’s Rogers who goes for the knuckleball... and that is not far away. It whistles over the top.
Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea
20:47 , Oli Gent49 mins: Free kick, Aston Villa. Maatsen moves inside with the ball and Gusto snaps at his ankles, bringing him down. Chance for Villa to create the first opportunity of the second half.
Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea
20:44 , Oli Gent48 mins: Cash was replaced at half time, with Lamare Bogarde replacing him at right-back.
Sam Tabuteau reports
20:44 , Oli Gent47 mins: Another centre circle huddle from Chelsea and now loud boos from the home support. They won't be happy with their side's performance or Chelsea's performative antics.
Kick off!
20:43 , Oli Gent46 mins: We’re back underway.
HT: Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea
20:26 , Oli GentThere’s the half-time whistle.
Some 45 minutes, and Chelsea go in in front.
What will the second period have in store?
Goal! Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea
20:23 , Oli Gent45+6 mins: Chelsea are in front, as Garnacho and Fernandez combine to feed Joao Pedro, who dinks over Martinez!
Sam Tabuteau reports
20:21 , Oli Gent45+6 mins: Chelsea have been the better team tonight, but it will be points left on the table if they don't turn this around. Villa look dangerous on the counter, and as Rosenior will know all too well, a good performance does not guarantee the right result.
Sam Tabuteau reports
20:18 , Oli Gent45+2 mins: Plenty of intent from Palmer tonight, but lacking the execution. Rosenior will be pleased with how he has put himself about so far. More to come you feel.
Aston Villa 1-1 Chelsea
20:17 , Oli Gent45 mins: Eight added minutes.
No goal! Aston Villa 1-1 Chelsea
20:14 , Oli Gent43 mins: It won’t count, as Watkins is offside!
Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
20:13 , Oli Gent42 mins: VAR is checking this...
Goal! Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
20:13 , Oli Gent41 mins: It’s there, and Watkins ends his drought. Chelsea give the ball away, and it’s four on two. Rogers picks it up and slides in Watkins, who finishes emphatically.
Aston Villa 1-1 Chelsea
20:12 , Oli Gent40 mins: Garnacho has been at the heart of everything good for Chelsea, as he bursts towards the byline and sends a cross in, that Konsa throws a leg at. He watches on desperately as it deflects behind.
Sam Tabuteau reports
20:09 , Oli Gent37 mins: Chelsea make their dominance count as Joao Pedro levels with a goal that has striking similarities to the goal Fernandez scored here last season. Excellent run from Gusto, a neat cross and an easy finish for the Brazilian. Rosenior tells his team to focus, they deserve that.
Goal! Aston Villa 1-1 Chelsea
20:07 , Oli Gent35 mins: Chelsea are level, and it’s Joao Pedro. A great ball from Gusto as they’re caught high up the field, and the right-back slides a lovely ball across for the Brazilian to slide home.
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
20:06 , Oli Gent34 mins: Close! Another strong save from Jorgensen as Rogers is fed by Maatsen. He teases two defenders, cutting inside and looking to catch the visiting keeper out at the near post, but he keeps it out.
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
20:03 , Oli Gent33 mins: Free kick, Chelsea. Cash is booked for a foul on Garnacho, who is caught as he chops inside.
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
20:03 , Oli Gent32 mins: Good save! Another chance for Watkins goes begging. A nice ball in behind as the England striker powers on at goal, but Jorgensen keeps him out.
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
20:02 , Oli Gent30 mins: Confusion! Caicedo’s whipped ball swings in at some pace and there’s a miscommunication between Maatsen and Martinez, with the keeper flapping at it and conceding the corner.
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
20:01 , Oli Gent28 mins: Another nearly moment for Chelsea, and Garnacho is at the heart of it again. He drives infield at pace and picks out James who runs onto it and smashes towards goal, but again it’s charged down.
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
19:56 , Oli Gent24 mins: Chance! Watkins this time is played in on goal, but he rushes his effort as Chalobah leans on him to put him off, as he fires straight at Jorgensen.
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:54 , Oli Gent22 mins: Palmer of old buries that. Instead, indecision forces him to lay it back to Garnacho. Some promising moments for Chelsea but without the execution. Where have we heard that before?
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
19:54 , Oli Gent21 mins: Some sloppy passes since the off from the visitors, but they are in control of the ball now. They stream forward as Palmer is set through on goal through the middle, but he hesitates before pulling the trigger, gets crowded out, and Garnacho fires against Konsa.
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
19:50 , Oli Gent19 mins: Phil Parkinson, the Wrexham manager, is in attendance on a scouting mission ahead of the FA Cup tie with Chelsea at the weekend.
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:48 , Oli Gent17 mins: First murmurs of life from Palmer as he tests Martinez. Chelsea need him in the game if they are to get back in this.
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
19:47 , Oli Gent16 mins: Good save! First sighting of goal for Palmer as he looks to whip one goalwards after Garnacho’s lay-off. It takes a deflection off Luiz and Martinez beats it clear.
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:44 , Oli Gent14 mins: Gusto given no options as he had the ball on the touchline a few moments ago and he eventually gifted possession back to Villa. He turns to Fofana to ask where the support was. It has been a disjointed start from the visitors.
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
19:43 , Oli Gent12 mins: Free kick, Villa. Watkins is chopped down by James, and the hosts have a set piece in a promising position.
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
19:42 , Oli Gent10 mins: Garnacho has been lively down the left, but he has Cash breathing down his neck at every opportunity, especially as he moves inside.
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:38 , Oli Gent8 mins: Joao Pedro would have hoped to have done better so close to the goal. Garnacho, as he did against Arsenal, causing problems with his inswinging crosses.
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
19:38 , Oli Gent7 mins: Great save! Garnacho whips in the cross for Joao Pedro to nod at goal, but Martinez denies him brilliantly!
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:37 , Oli Gent5 mins: A nightmare start for Chelsea and Jorgensen's clean sheet is gone in an instant.
Goal! Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea
19:35 , Oli Gent3 mins: It’s there, and Villa are in front inside three minutes. It’s Douglas Luiz with the opener, as he bundles home after great work from Bailey down the right. He gets it into the danger area, and the Brazilian flicks home.
Aston Villa 0-0 Chelsea
19:33 , Oli Gent2 mins: Early corner for Chelsea as Pedro makes ground down the left and wins the set piece off Mings, with Fernandez and Garnacho in the box. The corner is taken short, but Gusto is offside.
Kick off!
19:32 , Oli Gent1 min: We are underway.
Five minutes to kick off!
19:25 , Oli GentWho will win this one?
Rosenior explains Sanchez change
19:24 , Oli Gent"This game is decided on moments"
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 4, 2026
Liam Rosenior urges his players to take control of the big moments in games and looks ahead to Aston Villa clash...
🎙️ @LiamMacdevitt
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/tJe3p10ZSo
Emery's pre-match thoughts
19:16 , Oli Gent"This home atmosphere is very important for us"
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 4, 2026
Unai Emery looks ahead to Aston Villa's Premier League clash with Chelsea...
🎙️ @LiamMacdevitt
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Wv3rXHhS9y
How many?
19:12 , Oli GentFour former Chelsea players in the Villa squad this evening.
Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkley, Jadon Sancho and Tammy Abraham are all former Blues.
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:07 , Oli GentRosenior has just admitted to Chelsea's club media that he does not have an outright No1. That feels like a very telling line from the Blues boss on what is his biggest selection decision since taking the reins in January.
Rogers vs Palmer...
19:05 , Oli GentWho reigns supreme?
H2H: Morgan Rogers 🆚 Cole Palmer
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) March 4, 2026
Who makes England's starting XI for #WorldCup2026 ? 👀 ⬇️#AVLCHE #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/DKJP4u2ANB
Previously at Villa Park
19:00 , Oli GentTwo goals for Asensio & two assists for Rashford, last time out in #AVLCHE 🤝 pic.twitter.com/E7MZazAatE
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 2, 2026
Fan reaction
18:50 , Oli GentJorgensen is better than Sanchez with the ball but I don't trust his shot-stopping ability yet. I hope he has a good game and build confidence.
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) March 4, 2026
Stat attack
18:45 , Oli GentAston Villa beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge earlier this season. They are aiming to complete their first league double over the Blues since 1989-90.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 4, 2026
Over 35 years in the making 👀 pic.twitter.com/3iQ57g8gkD
"A frustrating result has led to a host of changes."
18:38 , Oli Gent"A frustrating result has led to a host of changes." @tabuteauS gives his pre-match thoughts at Villa Park.
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) March 4, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/SLk3AZiQap #AVLCHE pic.twitter.com/a0pcqpmBXK
Sam Tabuteau reports
18:23 , Oli GentA huge call from Liam Rosenior on a big night in the fight for Champions League football, who has dropped Robert Sanchez to the bench as one of four changes to the team that lost in frustrating fashion to Arsenal last weekend. Fofana returns in the heart of defence after suspension. Garnacho replaces Neto, the latest Chelsea player to see red this season, while Gusto comes in at right-back as James shifts to midfield.
Chelsea lineup
18:19 , Oli GentChelsea XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Hato; Caicedo, James; Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
Subs: Sanchez, Badiashile, Sarr, Tosin, Cucurella, Santos, Lavia, Delap, Guiu
Aston Villa lineup
18:16 , Oli GentAston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Onana, Luiz; Bailey, Buendia, Rogers; Watkins
Subs: Bizot, Digne, Torres, Bogarde, Barkley, Sancho, Abraham, Alysson
Palmer fit to play, says Rosenior
18:05 , Oli GentLiam Rosenior allayed renewed injury fears over Cole Palmer after Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat by Arsenal in the Premier League.
Palmer started for the Blues in Sunday’s high-profile London derby at the Emirates Stadium, but went down off the ball late in the first half and received treatment from medical staff.
The England attacker briefly left the pitch before quickly returning and he ended up playing 86 minutes before being replaced by Alejandro Garnacho as Chelsea’s 10 men pushed in vain for a late equaliser following the dismissal of Pedro Neto, with Piero Hincapie’s earlier own goal sandwiched by set-piece headers from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.
Chelsea fans will be relieved to learn that Palmer has not suffered any fresh setback ahead of a key trip to fourth-place Aston Villa on Wednesday night as Rosenior’s side, now down in sixth, hope to cut the six-point deficit to their opponents in the race for Champions League qualification with only 10 games left to play this term.
Match odds
18:00 , Oli GentAston Villa to win: 13/8
Chelsea to win: 5/4
Draw: 21/10
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head
17:50 , Oli GentChelsea have only beat Aston Villa once in their last four meetings. They lost the reverse fixture back in December 2-1 as Ollie Watkins came off the bench and hit a quickfire brace.
Aston Villa wins: 62
Chelsea wins: 69
Draws: 37
Standard Sport prediction
17:40 , Oli GentThe question of whether Chelsea can win at Villa Park may well be decided by the number of players they have on the pitch at full-time.
Facing Arsenal on Sunday, the Blues were not at their best, but they took the game to the Gunners and kept the league leaders honest. Until, that is, Pedro Neto was shown two yellow cards in quick succession.
Facing a Villa side who have only won one match since January, Chelsea should be more than capable of coming away with a result.
They have been their own worst enemy at times this season. Put on a composed, professional performance, though, and they can be confident of taking three points back to west London.
Chelsea to win, 2-1.
Chelsea team news
17:30 , Oli GentChelsea will have Cole Palmer at their disposal, Rosenior has confirmed, despite the forward going down off the ball and requiring treatment in the first-half against Arsenal.
Marc Cucurella remains a doubt with a hamstring injury, but could be fit to make the squad in Birmingham.
Rosenior said of his left-back: “Cucu is looking really good, if not for Wednesday then for Saturday [away at West Ham] for sure.”
Estevao is back on the grass as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury of his own, but is not expected to play a part on Wednesday.
It is not yet clear whether Dario Essugo can feature. He suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury early in Rosenior’s tenure, but is back in first-team training.
Pedro Neto will miss the match as he serves his red card suspension, but Wesley Fofana has done his time after being sent off against Burnley and is available for selection.
Jamie Gittens and Levi Colwill are long-term absentees for the Blues.
Aston Villa team news
17:20 , Oli GentMidfield options are thin on the ground for Unai Emery, with Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn all ruled out.
Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott has hardly had a look in this season, but he will miss this match through an unspecified injury.
Andres Garcia completes the Villa absentees. He is expected to remain sidelined through April with a hamstring strain.
How to watch
17:10 , Oli GentTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 3, with coverage beginning at 7pm ahead of a 7.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Hello and welcome!
17:00 , Oli Gent... to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Chelsea’s trip to Aston Villa.
Plenty to play for in terms of Champions League qualification here, with both sides out of form coming into this one.
Stay tuned for all the updates, with kick off at 7.30pm GMT.
