Chelsea Fight Back To Down Villa

Chelsea marked their return to Premier League action by fighting back from a goal to beat struggling Aston Villa and strengthen their bid for a top-four finish.

The Blues were the better team in the first half but went into the interval trailing to Kortney Hause’s goal which came after Kepa Arrizabalaga spilt Anwar El Ghazi’s shot.

Frank Lampard’s side continued their dominance in the second half and were rewarded with two quick-fire goals that turned the game on its head.

Second-half substitute Christian Pulisic drew the Blues level when he smashed in Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross on the hour mark and the visitors were in the lead two minutes later when Olivier Giroud swivelled and drove in from 15 yards with the help of a slight deflection.

The win means fourth-placed Chelsea restored their five-point advantage over Manchester United and Wolves, who are fifth and sixth respectively.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone, one point from safety after taking one point from their first two games back following the resumption of the Premier League.