Goals from Jackson, Fernandez and Palmer inflicted more misery on Villans

First-half strikes from Nicholas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez and a late strike from Cole Palmer earned Chelsea victory over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge as Unai Emery's side slipped to a fourth successive away defeat.

Blues top scorer Jackson hit the opener from close range after seven minutes, capitalizing on Mark Cucurella's sharp work and inviting cross on the left.

Fernandez drained before firing from outside the box nine minutes before half-time and Palmer curled over from a similar range with seven minutes remaining.

Villa are now eight games without a win in all competitions – sitting in 12th place as part of their worst run since Emery took over in October 2022.

Nicholas Jackson! 🔥

Chelsea took an early lead 💪 pic.twitter.com/fCQjK7j0CF

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 1, 2024

Emery: Villa must try to be better

While Chelsea will finish the weekend third in the table if Manchester City fail to win at Liverpool, Villa – who lost goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez at half-time with a hand injury – are on a run of one win in eight league games and four consecutive away defeats in all competitions.

“At the start of the season we could feel that some teams were better than us and one of them was Chelsea,” Emery told Sky Sports, telling his team to “try to keep a balance” and “not to get frustrated”. .

“We fully believe in our work. Our challenge is to (play) on Wednesday against Brentford (at home at 8.15pm GMT) and see how our level is (compared) with (eighth-placed) Brentford.

“There are still games to play and we will get our confidence back, trying to build the team. We must try to be better than we are now. Individually we can do better.”

🗣️ “I just have to try and move on”

Cole Palmer speaks after Chelsea boosted their hopes of a top-four finish with a comfortable 3-0 win over Aston Villa 🔵 pic.twitter.com/SaTamIjq4H

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 1, 2024

Maresca: Chelsea's “top” performance

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca described their performance as “very good”. “Top performance on and off the ball,” explained the Italian.

“(Fernandez and Jackson) are attacking players; they have to be in the box when we attack. Enzo was in the right position, so we just have to keep (doing it).

Maresca confirmed that defender Wesley Fofana left the action early due to a muscle injury.

Chelsea visit twice in the Premier League next week, with Southampton on Wednesday (7.30pm) and Tottenham on Sunday (4.30pm).