Chelsea returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, securing a commanding 4–1 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park. The standout performer of the night was Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, who delivered a sensational display by scoring his first Premier League hat-trick and taking his season tally to fourteen goals. Cole Palmer also added his name to the scoresheet for the visitors.

The evening began brightly for the hosts. Just two minutes into the match, Douglas Luiz fired Aston Villa into an early lead, giving the home fans hope of another big result.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically before half-time. Joao Pedro struck twice in quick succession late in the first half, turning the game on its head and sending Chelsea into the break with a crucial advantage.

After the restart, Cole Palmer extended the visitors’ lead with a composed finish, putting Mauricio Pochettino’s side firmly in control of the contest. The Brazilian star then completed a memorable night by adding his third goal to seal a stunning performance and cap a ruthless display from Chelsea.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Aston Villa - Chelsea 1:4 (1:2)
Goals: Douglas Luiz, 2 (1:0); João Pedro, 35 (1:1); João Pedro, 45 (1:2); Palmer Co., 55 (1:3); João Pedro, 64 (1:4)

Aston Villa: Martinez E.; Konsa; Mings; Maatsen I.; Onana A.; Cash (Bogarde L., 46); Watkins (Abraham T., 72); Douglas Luiz (Barkley, 63); Buendia (Sancho, 63); Bailey (Alysson Edward, 63); Rogers M.
Substitution: Bogarde L. (from 46); Barkley (from 63); Alysson Edward (from 63); Sancho (from 63); Abraham T. (from 72)
Bench: Bizot; Lindelöf; Digne; Torres Pau
Yellow Cards: Cash 32; Rogers M. 58; Watkins 68

Chelsea: Jörgensen F.; Hato; Chalobah; James R.; Gusto (Lavia, 75); Fofana W. (Adarabioyo, 79); Fernandez E. (Cucurella, 79); Palmer Co. (Andrey Santos, 85); Caicedo M.; Garnacho; João Pedro (Delap, 85)
Substitution: Lavia (from 75); Adarabioyo (from 79); Cucurella (from 79); Andrey Santos (from 85); Delap (from 85)
Bench: Sanchez Ro.; Badiashile B.; Sarr; Guiu Marc
Yellow Cards: João Pedro 54; Fernandez E. 58