Match Report: Controversy Masks Chelsea Inadequacies at Villa

Although Jose Mourinho refused to comment post-match on the potential impact of his side's 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa, the upset unquestionably strengthened the chasing trio's chances in the title race. Two red cards shown to the away side, along with Mourinho’s late dismissal, will have taken much of the headlines but such incidents will only serve to mask a disjointed Chelsea display.

In truth the visitors didn't create enough clear-cut chances to win the game. Their only two shots on target came courtesy of Oscar and were comfortably saved by Brad Guzan; the first a free-kick from fully 30-yards. When quizzed about his side's creativity on the day, however, Mourinho claimed, "The game is difficult. It is not an easy match. We created enough."

Villa's defence deserves a great deal of credit then, and though Willian, Oscar and Hazard looked bright in patches - the latter impressing in particular - the hosts' backline stood firm. Fernando Torres couldn't get in the game and, despite mustering 5 attempts at goal, all of his efforts were speculative.

The Blues were making runs in behind too early, while Villa held their line well. Indeed, WhoScored's match forecast predicted that Chelsea were extremely likely to stray offside often and they were caught 7 times in the match - a huge increase on their league high average of 2.9 per game.

While the away side were bright early on in the second half Paul Lambert's men weathered the storm, with captain Ron Vlaar leading by example. The Dutchman was awarded a WhoScored rating of 8.0 having made 3 tackles, 3 interceptions, 8 clearances and 3 shot blocks. That said, the entire back four ensured that Brad Guzan had a relatively easy evening's work, with full-backs Bacuna and Bennett also putting in noteworthy performances.

The sending off of Willian with 20 minutes remaining was certainly a turning point, but Villa had carved out the best chance of the game just moments before, with Benteke dragging his shot agonisingly wide from a great position in the box. While the former Shakhtar man's second booking looked extremely soft, Ramires' lunge on Karim El Ahmadi in injury time was far from it and warranted a straight red card.

The second dismissal had little bearing on the result, coming as it did so late in the game, with Villa's win secured by their all-action midfield driving force, Fabian Delph. Some have suggested that the 24-year old's improved performances this season have deserved international recognition and his match winner would not have looked out of place in Rio.

One of three shots in the game, the last of which could have capped a fine all round display were it not for a smart Petr Cech stop in the dying stages, Delph's delightful drag back into the far corner after Marc Albrighton's cut back was worthy of winning any game. It was of his own making in reality, pinching the ball on the half way line - having made 4 tackles in the game - Delph broke with purpose, beat Matic - one of 4 successful dribbles - and created the opening, earning a merited man of the match rating of 8.9.

The visitors had opportunities to break themselves but, as highlighted by the average player positions map from the game, the Villa backline kept their shape very well - in fact the whole team did - with Bennett and Bacuna rarely venturing too far forward. In comparison Chelsea's full-backs looked to bomb on, with Ivanovic's average position more advanced than that of Ramires and Matic in midfield. Villa were able to exploit the space in behind and the goal came with the hosts having found time and space on the left.

Mourinho's men still have a relatively favourable run in, so Saturday's defeat will by no means see their aspirations altered. A response is needed though, and Chelsea will need to start creating more clear-cut chances to keep their competitors at bay. It was Villa's day though, and an exceptional three points move them to within touching distance of Premier League survival again. In truth, for Lambert, that will be mission accomplished.

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