Chelsea Show Fight in 2-2 Draw Against Aston Villa
Chelsea Produce Second-Half Comeback to Dent Aston Villa's Top-Four Hopes
Report and Free Match Highlights
**London, March 8, 2023** - Chelsea came from two goals down to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday. The hosts took an early lead through an own goal from Marc Cucurella, and Morgan Rogers doubled their advantage before halftime. Chelsea fought back in the second half, with goals from Kai Havertz and Jorginho. Axel Disasi had a stoppage-time winner disallowed, but the Blues will be pleased with their point. Aston Villa took the lead in the 12th minute when Cucurella inadvertently deflected a cross from Leon Bailey into his net. Rogers made it 2-0 in the 35th minute, firing home after a mistake from Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Chelsea came out with renewed purpose in the second half and pulled a goal back in the 60th minute when Havertz headed home from a Reece James cross. Jorginho then leveled the scores in the 71st minute with a penalty after Ollie Watkins was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Disasi thought he had snatched a dramatic winner for Chelsea in stoppage time, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Despite the late disappointment, Chelsea will be pleased with their point as they remain unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches. Aston Villa, meanwhile, missed the chance to move into the top four. They remain in fifth place, two points behind Manchester United, who have a game in hand. Chelsea's recent record at Villa Park has been excellent. They have now won seven of their last nine matches at the ground. The two teams have met three times this season, with Villa winning the league encounter and Chelsea winning in the FA Cup. Chelsea's next match is against Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday, while Aston Villa travel to Manchester United on Thursday.
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