Mason Mount scored his first two club goals of the season as Chelsea held off Aston Villa in the first half to maintain Graham Potter’s unblemished start as manager.
After six minutes, the England international was granted an early lead as Tyrone Mings’ header fell to him for an easy finish.
Mount scored a second with a 25-yard free-kick in front of England manager Gareth Southgate, although he was again aided when Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez was caught off guard.
Villa, who had gone four games undefeated, did everything but score in the first half, but Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was in great form, saving Danny Ings, John McGinn, and Jacob Ramsey.
Potter, who has gone six games unbeaten as Chelsea manager since taking over last month, risked by putting forward Raheem Sterling at right wing-back following Reece James’ knee injury, which is expected to keep the defender out of the World Cup.
However, after witnessing Villa control the first half without scoring, Potter put Sterling up front and enjoyed a more easy second half, keeping Chelsea in fourth place, four points behind third-placed Tottenham with a game in hand.
Villa were booed at the end after two costly blunders, but manager Steven Gerrard will have been heartened by his team’s first-half performance, if not their finishing.
Potter had previously tried Sterling as a wing-back, starting the England international on the left in his debut game with the club, a 1-1 draw against RB Salzburg last month.
But it backfired against Villa, as the hosts tore down the flanks, leaving Sterling exposed on the right side of the defense.
Mings gifted Mount his goal, leaving Chelsea chasing the ball. Marc Cucurella struggled as Ings, Ollie Watkins, and Leon Bailey caused havoc across the attack, aided by McGinn doubling up on Villa’s left flank.
Arrizabalaga was credited with six first-half saves, including a stunning one to deny Ings’ header from close range.
Five minutes before halftime, Potter confessed his tactical strategy had failed by putting Ruben Loftus-Cheek in place of Sterling at right wing-back.
Five minutes before halftime, Potter confessed his tactical strategy had failed by putting Ruben Loftus-Cheek in place of Sterling at right wing-back.
Chelsea looked a lot more sturdy when Cesar Azpilicueta and Kalidou Koulibaly came on for Cucurella and Kai Havertz at halftime. When Sterling was brought back into the attack, he headed wide and had another effort saved by Martinez.
Mount, who is negotiating a new deal with Chelsea, ended the game with a well-taken free kick, although he was once again assisted when Martinez switched to his right.
The Chelsea forward’s effort went to the left of the goalie but crossed the line in the centre of the goal.
Gerrard was jeered as he made his way down the tunnel, in addition to the booing at the final whistle.
