Chelsea have reportedly launched an investigation after a water bottle was allegedly thrown at Aston Villa’s bench after their 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night. The visiting team continued their impressive run and, just as they had done in the last four away matches in the Premier League, they once again came from behind to secure a league victory. Substitute Ollie Watkins scored two goals in the second half, securing Villa’s 11th consecutive win in all competitions.
The match briefly went awry, with eight yellow cards issued and Villa’s set-piece coach Austin McPhee also receiving a warning late in the game. Anger flared further at the final whistle, with water bottles allegedly being thrown at Villa’s bench, leaving some staff soaked with water.
The incident caused apparent anger among some Villa staff, with one member appearing to suggest, according to the Telegraph, that the object may have been thrown from Chelsea’s dugout area, although this has yet to be confirmed.
Chelsea have reportedly pledged to cooperate fully with Villa and the relevant authorities to determine exactly where the bottle came from. CCTV footage will also be examined as part of the investigation.
The Football Association, which will take any disciplinary action if necessary, is believed to be aware of the allegations.
Despite the post-match scene, the away team’s joy remained undiminished and they equaled a club record of 11 consecutive wins in all competitions.
Villa currently sit third in the Premier League, one point behind Manchester City and three points behind leaders Arsenal, who they play on Tuesday.
Emery expressed his gratitude to the fans after the match, saying: “I’m very happy and grateful to all the supporters, because we need them, they’re with us, they transfer their energy and we’re here to play for them.”
He acknowledged his team’s early struggles, saying: “It was really great how the players reacted on the field. We struggled in the first half.
“We just didn’t get into the rhythm of keeping the ball and trying to get into their box too often, but we have to defend and we played great defense.”
Looking back on the game that was a turning point in the game, he said: “We conceded one goal from a corner kick and had to change something in the second half, but it was the same structure as the first half.
“We were starting to get better and needed fresh legs, but the way the players showed the mentality to play to their qualities and the way we grabbed the momentum was great.”
Emery also acknowledged the importance of a win, saying: “It’s very difficult to beat Chelsea here. We wanted it and we’re happy, but we’re still trying to stay balanced and play each game towards our goal.”
Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca was left to ponder another disappointing result. Chelsea’s results have fallen significantly and they are 10 points behind Villa.
Maresca said, “I think conceding the goal was a turning point.” “We were in complete control of the game for about an hour, until we conceded the goal.
“Again, it’s not the first time this has happened. And even if we’re winning and conceding goals, we have a little bit of trouble managing the game. And that’s definitely something we need to improve on.”
