Joao Pedro scored a hat-trick as Chelsea came from behind to dismantle Aston Villa 4-1 at Villa Park and press their claims for Champions League qualification.

Douglas Luiz's early goal might have been expected to settle Villa's nerves after their recent poor form but his Brazilian compatriot scored twice before the interval before Cole Palmer doubled Chelsea's advantage early in the second half.

When Joao Pedro completed his hat-trick there was no way back for Unai Emery's side. Villa could point to Ollie Watkins' goal being disallowed for offside in the first half but in truth Liam Rosenior's side played the slicker stuff throughout and deserved the big win.

The result moves Chelsea above Liverpool into fifth spot, now just three points behind an Aston Villa side that remain fourth but find themselves on a downward trajectory after one win in their last seven games. The race for the Champions League heats up.

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Player of the Match: Joao Pedro

Even prior to this performance, Joao Pedro had equalled his best goal tally in a league season, matching his total of 11 for Watford in the Championship. This hat-trick moves him onto 14 Premier League goals for Chelsea. He was absolutely superb.

The Brazilian forward's classy hold-up play and ability to drift around the pitch means he is often characterised as a No 10 as much as he is a No 9 but what was striking about this performance that did for Aston Villa was his movement inside the penalty box.

Elusive in the area, these were the goals of a poacher. And his finishing just oozed quality. While Ollie Watkins struggled to show his best form in front of goal at the other end of the pitch, the contrast was marked. Chelsea's difference-maker up front.

Rosenior praised that aspect of his performance, being on the spot inside the box. "His goal with his left foot is world-class but I am delighted with his two tap-ins, because he was in the right place at the right time and we have worked really hard on that."

Rosenior delighted with response

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior, asked in the press conference whether it was the perfect evening:

"We could have kept a clean sheet. No, it was a really good evening. I was very proud of them today. We have had a few kicks and we spoke about responding positively."

Chelsea did just that with their head coach also pointing to a penalty that his team were denied when Reece James went down under a challenge from Ian Maatsen: "I do not understand how we do not get a penalty, it is a clear penalty on Reece."

On the significance of the win, Rosenior said: "It is only significant if we back it up. We have to be consistent. We have a massive FA Cup game, then a huge game in Paris and then against Newcastle. If we perform at that level, we're going to be in a good place."

Asked if their hopes of catching Villa would have been gone with defeat, he added: "It wouldn't have been gone. It's not just Aston Villa we're behind and chasing. It wouldn't have been gone but obviously I'm happier tonight that we're not nine points behind."

Chelsea show their true quality

Even in the defeat against Arsenal, Chelsea hinted at their potential for long periods, matching the Premier League leaders and even outplaying them on their own patch for a period in the second half. Details and ill-discipline have undermined them too often.

"This game is decided on moments," Rosenior had said before kick-off. He was decisive himself in dropping Robert Sanchez after his poor showing against the Gunners, bringing in Filip Jorgensen who did well. His players were decisive for him on the pitch.

Joao Pedro was the star but when Chelsea are flowing and the confidence is up, this young team have the makings of something special. A run of three winless games was brought to an end in emphatic fashion. Now they must make it count and press on.

Emery: We are in a bad moment

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking to TNT:

"We are now in a bad moment. A bad moment. Chelsea are so happy and they deserved to win. We can understand the situation we have now. Overall, we are still three points in front. Okay, we are not being consistent in this moment.

"In 29 matches we are better than them. Not today. Now is the moment to find solutions and to try to recover good form and feeling together in everything. We need to get some days working and getting balance like we are not doing like before.

"We need to do the last two months with the objective we have, how we can regain our structure. We are now doing something wrong in the structure - it is not strong like it was before. This is now my concern. I will share it with the players. There is still time to recover it."

Villa's season starting to unravel

Aston Villa have been wobbling for a while but never this season have they been torn to shreds quite like they were by Chelsea. Joao Pedro's movement was too good for them in the first half and Emery's high line was utterly exposed in the second.

Chelsea's expected goals total of 3.92 is the highest that Villa have conceded in a Premier League home game under the Spaniard and the highest under any manager since a defeat to Leicester back in 2019. On a huge night for the team, they crumbled.

There is still time to salvage a successful season and Emery's impassioned defence of the campaign after the defeat to Wolves on Friday still rings true. They are fourth and among the favourites to win the Europa League. But this poor form cannot be ignored.

Story of the match in stats

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