BY JOSEPH EKWE – 20 JUNE

Chelsea boosted their hopes of Champions League football next season by coming from a goal down on their return to Premier League action to beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park.

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After dominating the majority of the first half, Frank Lampard’s side found themselves trailing at the interval when, firmly against the run of play, Kortney Hause tapped home from close range in the 43rd minute to send Villa into the break with a shock lead.

However, the visitors responded with two quickfire goals, as strikes from substitute Christian Pulisic (60) and Olivier Giroud (62) completed the turnaround to secure all three points.

The victory could prove crucial for the fourth-placed Blues, who move five points clear of Manchester United and Wolves in fifth and sixth respectively, in the race for a top-four finish.

Meanwhile, the defeat is another blow to Aston Villa’s chances of staying in the top-flight. Dean Smith’s side remain in the relegation zone, one point adrift of safety.

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Player ratings

Aston Villa: Nyland (6), Hause (7), Konsa (6), Mings (5), Targett (6), Luiz (7), McGinn (6), Hourihane (6), El Ghazi (6), Davis (6), Grealish (6).

Subs: Samatta (6), Nakamba (6), Trezeguet (6), Jota (n/a).

Chelsea: Kepa (6), Azpilicueta (7), Christensen (6), Rudiger (6), Alonso (6), Kante (7), Loftus-Cheek (6), Kovacic (6), Willian (6), Giroud (7), Mount (8).

Subs: Pulisic, (7), Barkley (6), Abraham (n/a).

Man of the match: Cesar Azpilicueta