Palmer scores screamer as Chelsea go third, behind Arsenal on only alphabetical order

Chelsea moved up to third in the Premier League table following a 3-0 victory against Aston Villa, thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.

Enzo Maresca’s side looked full of energy from the outset and Nicolas Jackson swept his side into a seventh-minute lead with his effort sliding in off the post.

Villa, who came into the game without a win in their last seven matches across all competitions, could have equalised eight minutes later. The usually dependable Ollie Watkins shrugged off his defender, but his effort lacked the power to beat goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

But Chelsea were in command of the first half and deserved to double their lead on the 36th minute. Enzo Fernandez played a lovely one-two with Palmer before striking his effort into the bottom corner.

Moments before the half-time whistle, Watkins had the opportunity to get his side back into the tie but was again denied by Sanchez

Chelsea were allowed to cruise through the second half before a moment of class by Palmer sealed the win. The talisman opened up his body outside the box and then sent a thunderous effort into the top corner.

Remarkably, the Blues are only behind second-placed Arsenal on alphabetical order, with the London rivals level on all table metrics after 13 games.

Chelsea will look to continue their unbeaten run with a midweek Premier League trip to Southampton on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Aston Villa will hope to end their winless run at Brentford on the same evening.

Chelsea could become the silent assassin in the title race if Liverpool start to drop points as the UEFA Champions League heats up.

The UEFA Conference League has allowed Chelsea to keep their stars fresh and allowed their squad players to keep sharp.

Five of their starting XI against Villa did not make the trip to Heidenheim on Thursday night. In comparison, Villa looked tired following their exploits against Juventus in the Champions League.

Chelsea are now level on points with Arsenal and look sharp, with players like Joao Felix ready to make an impact from the bench.

Everything Palmer touches is golden at the moment and two pieces of class helped Chelsea to win this one.

In the first half, Palmer spotted a one-two opportunity with Fernandez which resulted in the Blues taking control of the game. Palmer then settled the match with a special effort from outside the box which flew into the top corner.

Chelsea: Sanchez 7, Caicedo 8, Fofana 7, Colwill 8, Cucurella 7, Lavia 7, Fernandez 7, Sancho 7, Palmer 8, Neto 7, Jackson 7.

Subs: Badiashile 6, Gusto 6, Joao Felix 7, Madueke 7, Nkunku 6.

Aston Villa: Martinez 7, Cash 7, Konsa 7, Torres 7, Digne 6, Kamara 6, Tielemans 6, McGinn 7, Rogers 7, Philogene 6, Watkins 7.

Subs: Bailey 6, Barkley 6, Buendia 6, Duran 7, Olsen 7.

7’ –GOAL! CHELSEA 1 (JACKSON) ASTON VILLA 0: Cucurella on the overlap during a charging run forward. The defender then puts the ball onto Jackson’s foot, with his effort deflecting off the post and going in.

16’ –WATKINS EFFORT SAVED: Watkins gets the better of Fofana, who is left on the floor. However, Chelsea goalkeeper Sanchez is quickly out and saves Watkins’ effort down low. It’s a big save early in this match.

37’ –GOAL! CHELSEA 2 (FERNANDEZ) ASTON VILLA 0: The Chelsea midfielder plays a lovely one-two with Palmer and then the ball sits up for him and the Argentinian strikes low into the bottom corner.

45+2’ –WATKINS CHANCE: Fernandez loses the ball as he falls backwards under pressure by Rogers, allowing Philogene to cross into the path of Watkins. The marksman takes a touch before firing at goal, but Sanchez comfortably saves the somewhat tame effort.

83’ – GOAL! CHELSEA 3 (PALMER) ASTON VILLA 0: A Chelsea free-kick is played out wide and then passed to Palmer, who opens up his body and fires the ball into the top corner.