Olivier Giroud’s incredible goal record vs Aston Villa continues as Chelsea come from behind to win
Chelsea strengthened their grip on fourth place with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
Villa, who remain in the relegation zone, took a shock 43rd-minute lead through Kortney Hause.
But Chelsea levelled thanks to two goals in as many second-half minutes.
Substitute Christian Pulisic scored on the hour mark, before Olivier Giroud sealed a winning return with a smart finish.
On his 50th Premier League appearance for Chelsea, Giroud also netted his ninth goal in just seven appearances against Villa.
Now, the Blues have extended the gap from fifth-placed Manchester United to five points.
There were more positives for Chelsea as Ruben Loftus-Cheek made his long-awaited return from injury after a 13-month lay off.
And Pulisic marked his comeback with a goal in his first appearance since New Year’s Day.
Chelsea dominated from the start as they looked for their first top-flight away win since December.
Villa struggled to get out of their own half in the early stages as the Blues went close to breaking the deadlock through Mason Mount and Giroud.
Dean Smith’s side threatened with their first shot on goal when Kepa Arrizabalaga beat away a long-range effort from Anwar El Ghazi.
And Villa struck first when Hause tucked home a rebound after seeing his initial shot saved by Kepa just before the break.
Pulisic made an immediate impact after coming on as a 55th-minute substitution when he fired a Cesar Azpilicueta cross past Orjan Nyland.
And Chelsea further compounded Villa’s misery as Azpilicueta provided a second assist for Giroud, who started ahead of Tammy Abraham.
Villa almost earned a fortunate point, which would have seen them go level on points with 17th-placed West Ham, when Jota fired wide two minutes from time.