Ivanovic secures result for Chelsea FC against Aston Villa

Played
August 21, 2013 7:45 PM BST
Stamford Bridge — London
Referee:‬ K. Friend‎
Attendance:‬ 41527‎ 

Chelsea - Aston Villa Preview: Villans without a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge in 15 years

Paul Lambert's men conceded eight times on their last visit to the west London club, but will be buoyed by a stirring 3-1 win over Arsenal on the opening day of the season

Chelsea will also be in confident mood ahead of their second game at home in four days. They brushed aside new boys Hull City on Sunday in Jose Mourinho's Premier League return and will be hoping to do the same with VillVilla have taken a win and a draw from two of their last four visits to Stamford Bridge, however the two defeats have been heavy - 8-0 and 7-1 - and they have not recorded a cleansheet at the ground since 1998.

The pair's head-to-head league record is exactly even with each having recorded 50 wins and Villa captain Ron Vlaar believes his side can spring a surprise and make up for last season's embarrassment.

"If you can win at the Emirates, of course it is a great start. We want to do it again on Wednesday now," Vlaar said. "We all know what happened last year, so we want to put that to rest.

"We learnt a lot and we still have to learn a lot, but mentally we became a stronger team."But it is the start of the season and nobody really knows a lot about each other."

Mourinho only lost once to Villa during his first spell in charge, in the penultimate Premier League game of his first tenure, and his return to England got off to the perfect start with the victory over Steve Bruce's side.

The Portuguese coach has an almost fully fit squad to choose from, with David Luiz a doubt having also missed Sunday's triumph and Nathaniel Chalobah having picked up a knock while representing England Under-21s a week ago.

Nathan Baker is the only new injury concern for Paul Lambert, the central defender limped out of the Arsenal victory with an ankle injury that leaves him a doubt for Wednesday.

Yacouba Sylla, Chris Herd and Charles N'Zogbia all missed the opening day and are unlikely to feature at Stamford Bridge
Branislav Ivanovic secured victory for Chelsea FC against Aston Villa with a 73 minute goal. Jose Mourinho’s side are now top of the Premier League table.
After six minutes Eden Hazard burst into the area and fired an in swinging shot that Brad Guzan pushed straight at Villa defender Antonio Luna, the ball bounced off his chest and over the line, for the softest of opening goals for Chelsea.
Aston Villa got their reward for their steady improvement as the half went on, as Gabriel Agbonlahor raided down the left leaving Branislav Ivanovic in his wake and he pulled the ball back for Christian Benteke, who took a touch before squeezing the the ball between Petr Cech and his right-hand post, the ball clipping the upright on its way in. John Terry will not enjoy watching the replay, because he left Benteke far too much room.
Villa’s backline had looked solid all evening but after 73min Frank Lampard free-kick from the right, Branislav Ivanovic rises unopposed to head past Brad Guzan and secure three points for Chelsea FC.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: ”That was very hard. I missed that about the Premier League! Normally matches in the Bernabeu we win every match very comfortable, this was very hard, it’s what I like. I told Paul Lambert that they deserve a point, it wouldn’t be unfair.
“They fought a lot. They have their style which is not my style. They have a special player with special qualities with Christian Benteke, they transport the ball to your half and he is a big boy who makes a lot of fouls. It’s difficult. They are very dangerous in counter-attack as well.”
The win see’s Jose Mourinho side top of the league with two victories from two matches.

Chelsea

• 01 Cech
• 02 Ivanovic Booked
• 03 Cole
• 24 Cahill
• 26 Terry
• 07 Ramires
• 08 Lampard
• 10 Mata (Schurrle – 65′ )
• 11 Oscar (Van Ginkel – 84′ )
• 17 Hazard
• 19 Ba (Lukaku – 65′ )

Substitutes

• 23 Schwarzer
• 28 Azpilicueta
• 12 Mikel
• 15 De Bruyne
• 16 Van Ginkel
• 14 Schurrle
• 18 Lukaku

Aston Villa

• 01 Guzan
• 04 Vlaar
• 06 Clark (Okore – 43′ )
• 14 Luna
• 34 Lowton
• 08 El Ahmadi Booked (Tonev – 82′ )
• 15 Westwood Booked
• 16 Delph
• 10 Weimann
• 11 Agbonlahor
• 20 Benteke Booked

Substitutes

• 13 Steer
• 03 Bennett
• 05 Okore
• 07 Bacuna
• 18 Sylla
• 24 Tonev
• 09 Helenius

Attendance: 41,527