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A commendable second-half performance saw Chelsea claw back a two-goal deficit against Aston Villa, but VAR prevented them from completing the comeback.
2-0 down in the first half, Chelsea seemed down for the count, or at least heading for the canvas, but an inspired second-half performance saw them draw level.
They thought they got a late knockout punch when Axel Disasi scored late in the game, but a foul in the build-up meant VAR broke the hearts of the ecstatic Chelsea faithful, and the match ended in a draw.
How it happened
The match started poorly for Chelsea as Marc Cucurella turned John McGinn's shot into his own net, giving Aston Villa the lead. Despite the setback, Chelsea dominated the first half and came close to equalizing when Nicolas Jackson's goal was ruled out for offside.
Jackson, who has been struggling in front of goal recently, missed another chance when his effort hit the post. On the other end, however, Morgan Rodgers finished coolly to double the Villans lead.
In the second half, Chelsea continued to push forward and were rewarded when Noni Madueke equalised shortly after the hour mark. Conor Gallagher then drew Chelsea level with a superb left-footed strike into the top corner.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages of the game. Ollie Watkins missed a golden opportunity for Aston Villa, firing over the bar from close range. Chelsea also had chances to seal the victory, but Cole Palmer was denied in a one-on-one situation, and Axel Disasi had a goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
In the end, neither team could find a winner, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Chelsea's hopes of finishing in the top four took a hit with just a point from the game. However, Mauricio Pochettino will be pleased with his side's response after their demoralising defeat in midweek.
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