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Premier League leaders Chelsea went seven points clear at the top of the table with a 2-1 away win at Aston Villa. Chelsea’s manager Jose Mourinho enjoyed his first league win at Villa Park on his sixth attempt, thanks to the screamer from Branislav Ivanovic at the 66th minute. The Blues took the lead with Eden Hazard’s goal within the first ten minutes and dominated the game. But, the Villains stuck back at the start of the second half from Jores Okore’s header and ended their goal drought after 11 hours.
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The Villians are now winless in nine league matches with just two points above the relegation zone. Chelsea made an assured start and were rewarded with a goal within the ten minutes when Oscar fed Willian, who squared it to Hazard to make it 1-0 from 10 yards.
Aston Villa finally scores after 11 hours
The hosts began the second half with confidence and within five minutes they reaped the reward as Charles Gil’s cross found Okore’s head, who sent in a powerful header to level the score for the home team. Villa had gone 659 minutes without finding the net before the goal from Okore and the fans finally had a reason to celebrate.
Mourinho’s men held firm at the back as they counter-attacked at will, when Cesar Azpilicueta’s initial cross was blocked by Okore before the Spaniard passed the ball to the Serbian, who scored a screamer with his left foot to give Chelsea the lead. Ivanovic has now scored five goals in six league starts against Aston Villa. Taking the lead, Mourinho soon made changes as he went into a defensive tactic to close the game down.
Chelsea’s winter signing Juan Cuadrado made the debut for the Blues late in the game when he substituted Willian at 80th min. With title contenders Manchester City drawing their match against Hull City, Chelsea established a 7-point lead at the top of the table.
Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea (Eden Hazard 8’)
Aston Villa 1-1 Chelsea (Jores Okore 48’)
Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea (Branislav Ivanovic 66’)
