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Branislav Ivanovic runs to the corner flag as he celebrates his winning goal against Aston Villa (Getty Images)
Chelsea made it two wins in as many games with a 2-1 home win over Aston Villa last night. Branislav Ivanovic’s header ensured that Jose Mourinho’s team would go to Old Trafford in a week’s time with a perfect record from both their opening matches.
Antonio Luna, who scored at the weekend against Arsenal, was on the score-sheet again; except this time, it was at the wrong end as he put through his own net to give the Blues the lead in the sixth minute.
It was a touch unfortunate, as Eden Hazard’s initial shot was blocked by Brad Guzan, only to rebound and hit Luna, before going into the net. But, Villa got back in the game with an equalizer in first half stoppage time through none other than Christian Benteke. Gabriel Agbonhalor made a superb run down the left flank and provided a cutback to his strike partner, which Benteke cooly swept home.
The game remained tight in the second half and Benteke had a good effort saved by Petr Cech in the 64th minute when the Belgian forward was picked out by Andreas Weimann’s pass.
However, it was not be in the end for Villa, as they fell victim to an Ivanovic goal in the 73rd minute off a set-piece. Ivanovic looked a touch off-side as he rose to connect on Frank Lampard’s brilliant free-kick.
Just a few minutes earlier though, the Serbian international was fortunate to escape a sending off, when he was given only a yellow for what looked like a dangerous elbow aimed at Benteke.
There was still one last chance for Villa and it fell to Weimann in the 85th minute. But, once again Cech was there to defy them.
There was more reason to complain for Villa as in the second minute of stoppage time, John Terry looked to have handled the ball in the box, but referee Kevin Friend waived off the protests of the Villa players as they pleaded for a penalty.
Chelsea next face Manchester United at Old Trafford this coming Monday night.
