Chelsea v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Legion]

Match report from Pravda:

Villa experienced the full range of emotions to earn a sensational draw at Stamford Bridge.

Gerard Houllier's team picked themselves up from the frustration of falling behind to Frank Lampard's penalty to overturn Chelsea's lead, only for the double winners to strike a double blow in the final six minutes through Didier Drogba and John Terry.

But the reward for a courageous performance came in the form of a dramatic last-minute equaliser from Ciaran Clark, who excelled in an unfamiliar left-back role.

He came in as part of a rejigged back four, which saw Richard Dunne return to partner James Collins in the centre while Carlos Cuellar moved to the right.

Despite shipping three goals, the quartet provided the backbone to a much-improved Villa display following back-to-back defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

However, it seemed as though there would be no change in Villa's luck when referee Lee Mason awarded a dubious penalty which allowed Lampard to fire Chelsea into a 23rd minute lead.

Everyone of claret and blue persuasion was up in arms when the official pointed to the spot after James Collins' aerial challenge on Florent Malouda, which resulted in the Chelsea forward going to ground.

It came as a hammer blow after an encouraging start from the away side, with Gabby Agbonlahor shooting wide from the edge of the area and Ashley Young almost catching Petr Cech out with a cross-cum-shot.

Villa were presented with a severe test of character - though it was a challenge they more than stood up to.

Mason levelled the penalty count on 41 minutes, allowing Young to thump home an equaliser which lifted the travelling supporters.

And the claret and blues began the second-half at an exhilarating tempo, with Cech getting down low to hold a powerful James Collins header.

Within two minutes of the restart Villa were ahead. Emile Heskey once again demonstrated how crucial his presence up front can be by leaping at the back post to connect with Downing's sublime cutback.

A mammoth task still lay ahead for the away team against the reigning Barclays Premier League champions and goalkeeper Brad Friedel had to be at his best to ensure Villa's lead remained intact until the closing stages.

Firstly, the American's strong hands pushed a thumping Lampard volley over the bar and Friedel then stood tall to thwart Malouda from a tight angle.

But while Villa showed unquestionable spirit throughout this enthralling contest, Chelsea displayed the resolve of champions to turn the tables on their opponents.

On 84 minutes, Drogba was in the right place at the right time to slot home an equaliser following a goal-mouth scramble and, with less than a minute of normal time to play, captain John Terry tucked away the rebound after Friedel acrobatically pushed away Drogba's header.

Cue the rescue act from Clark, who had been exemplary in a defensive capacity before becoming the hero at the sharp end.

The 21-year-old ghosted into the penalty area to beat the offside trap and guide substitute Marc Albrighton's floated left-wing cross past Cech.

Villa's players sprinted to the corner to join their supporters in celebration.

Who could blame them? It was the least they deserved following a passionate response to the two defeats suffered over the festive period.

CHELSEA: Cech; Ferreira, Bruma, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Essien, Lampard; Anelka, Drogba, Malouda. Subs: Turnbull, Bosingwa (for Ferreira, 57), Kalou (for Ramires, 73), Sturridge (for Anelka, 78), Van Aanholt, McEachran, Mellis.

VILLA: Friedel; Cuellar, Collins, Dunne, Clark; Downing, Petrov, Reo-Coker, A Young; Agbonlahor, Heskey. Subs: Marshall, Pires, Albrighton (for Agbonlahor 84), Delfouneso, Bannan, Lichaj, Herd.

[Mac]

Did anybody notice that nobody seemed to congratulate Drogba when he equalised.  And at the re-start he seemed to be arguing with some team mates about something?

Bit of a contrast to Terry running to Ancelotti.

Still angry the part the ref played in that.

[Risso]

oh and Dunne's tackle on Ramires in the box

That was class

That was the Dunne of old.  Get it wrong and it would have been another penalty and probably a sending off.  It was an immaculately timed McGrathesque piece of defending though.

[Dribbler]

Highlight was Randy and Doug celebrating that equaliser

Indeed, it almost brought a tear to my eye. I didn't realise it was Doug he was hugging though. I hope someone is going to GIF this for posterity.

[Legion]

It was Paul Faulkner.

[pauliewalnuts]

Highlight was Randy and Doug celebrating that equaliser

Indeed, it almost brought a tear to my eye. I didn't realise it was Doug he was hugging though. I hope someone is going to GIF this for posterity.

It was Faulkner he was hugging, Doug was sat behind.

Any subsequent gif will have to go a very long way to beat the one of Doug shaking Abrahmovich's hand as he flounced out a few seasons ago.

That was without a doubt the finest animated gif ever.

[Toronto Villa]

Highlight was Randy and Doug celebrating that equaliser

Is there a clip of that somewhere? Doug laughing was brilliant.

[Toronto Villa]

Highlight was Randy and Doug celebrating that equaliser

Indeed, it almost brought a tear to my eye. I didn't realise it was Doug he was hugging though. I hope someone is going to GIF this for posterity.

It was Faulkner he was hugging, Doug was sat behind.

Any subsequent gif will have to go a very long way to beat the one of Doug shaking Abrahmovich's hand as he flounced out a few seasons ago.

That was without a doubt the finest animated gif ever.

Nothing beats that. Nothing.

[pauliewalnuts]

Highlight was Randy and Doug celebrating that equaliser

Is there a clip of that somewhere? Doug laughing was brilliant.

http://videa.hu/videok/sport/ch3-3asmatchhighlight.com-sVTUBSEaCPPNoeTz

[Toronto Villa]

Highlight was Randy and Doug celebrating that equaliser

Is there a clip of that somewhere? Doug laughing was brilliant.

http://videa.hu/videok/sport/ch3-3asmatchhighlight.com-sVTUBSEaCPPNoeTz

superb Paulie. Add that to your sig Leeg

[damon loves JT]

I had to pretend all afternoon that it wasn't happening. People kept coming in and saying `I don't believe you're not watching this.'

So I just watched the second half. Marc didn't let his mistake rattle him and it was a very, very mature finish from Ciaran. I hope they are Villa players for a long, long time because they are already playing like old hands.

It's not like the ManUre game at all - a point from that was like losing.

[JJ-AV]

Clark at left back is something others have suggested, he has to keep the shirt.

Might save us £5m

[Risso]

Quote of the day:


Reporter  "do you get a fine for so many bookings?"

Houllier: "If so I'll pay it myself!"

[damon loves JT]

Did anybody notice that nobody seemed to congratulate Drogba when he equalised.

the ball bounced off two Villa players and went through two more before it went over the line.

i'd be demanding an og

[TheSandman]

Highlight was Randy and Doug celebrating that equaliser

Is there a clip of that somewhere? Doug laughing was brilliant.

http://videa.hu/videok/sport/ch3-3asmatchhighlight.com-sVTUBSEaCPPNoeTz

Is that Capello next to Doug?