The Argentina star scored a long-range stunner to alleviate some of the pressure on his compatriot in the Blues' dugout
An Enzo Fernandez screamer and goals from Nicolas Jackson and Conor Gallagher sealed a comfortable 3-1 victory for Chelsea over Aston Villa in their FA Cup fourth-round replay on Wednesday.
The Blues looked a completely different side to the one that shipped eight goals in their last two matches, and while Mauricio Pochettino's men may be used to dominating possession, they did so with tenacity and intensity at Villa Park – in stark contrast to their recent efforts.
The Blues' early pressure off paid when Gallagher fired home from close-range, as he found the shooting boots he has been missing all season. It was hist first goal in 31 matches.
Chelsea proved a 1-0 lead meant little against Wolves on Sunday, but went about doubling their advantage without a second thought. Jackson, in just his second match since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, fired home a bullet header from a marvellous Malo Gusto cross.
It was a dominant first 45 minutes during which Chelsea really could have scored more, as Aston Villa were outplayed and, in truth, wholly underwhelmed. And there was no response from Unai Emery's side in the second period, as Chelsea cruised into a 3-0 lead in the most ludicrous fashion. Fernandez stepped up and rifled a long-range screamer of a free-kick to silence the home crowd and mark an uncharacteristically convincing performance from the Blues.
Moussa Diaby scored for Villa late on, but it was only a consolation as Chelsea marched on to the fifth round, where they will host Championship promotion-chasers Leeds United.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Villa Park…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Djordje Petrovic (6/10):
Rarely called upon but provided a few saves when needed, even if most were close to his body. Did have one scare with his feet that threatened a Villa response, but nothing came of it. Could do nothing about Diaby's effort.
Malo Gusto (8/10):
Superb down Chelsea's right. Constantly an attacking threat and certainly upped his intensity levels following a nightmare showing against Wolves. Chelsea are a better team with his pace in the side.
Axel Disasi (7/10):
A stalwart under Pochettino and he showed why on Wednesday night. An immaculate display in his far superior centre-back position. A few crucial tackles and blocks which he celebrated like a goal.
Benoit Badiashile (6/10):
Has looked shaky at times this season but forged a solid partnership with Disasi here. Chelsea will be hoping for more of the same with Thiago Silva's days at the club numbered. His injury will be a cause for concern, though, as he was unable to complete the full 90 minutes.
Ben Chilwell (6/10):
Looked not quite back to his best, but vastly improved from his recent showings against Liverpool and Wolves. Not just impressive going forward, as he covered well when needed.
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Enzo Fernandez (9/10):
What. A. Strike. A truly astonishing free-kick against his Argentina team-mate Martinez capped off a wonderful performance. Constantly involved in Chelsea's link-up play and a large part of why Villa were so often overrun in midfield.
Moises Caicedo (7/10):
Linked up with Enzo well, even if Villa rarely threatened. Popped up with a few key tackles when Villa increased the pressure late on. Almost scored at the death.
Conor Gallagher (7/10):
His first goal of the campaign was the main midfield talking point until Enzo's screamer. Still, an accomplished finish and another assured performance from the England international.
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Cole Palmer (7/10):
Started as a false nine but drifted out wide at times in a more fluid role. Desperately wanted a goal, but was denied twice by Martinez. Typical industrious performance from Chelsea's signing of the season.
Nicolas Jackson (8/10):
Took his header with aplomb to take his tally to six in his last 13 appearances. Chelsea's attack looks more succinct with him back in the side.
Noni Madueke (8/10):
Fancied it here. Was perhaps buoyed by Chelsea's lightning start, but exuded confidence from the off. Also looked to take on a man and his pace is frightening. Just needs to polish his end product.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Raheem Sterling (5/10):
Brought on for Madueke with 15 minutes to go. An immediate drop off, proving why he didn't start.
Thiago Silva (6/10):
Brought on for Palmer to shore up the defence. Impact header at the death.
Alfie Gilchrist (N/A):
Brought on for the injured Badiashile but too late to make an impact.
Christopher Nkunku (N/A):
Replaced Jackson and held the ball well to protect Chelsea's lead. Nothing else of note.
Mauricio Pochettino (8/10):
What a response. Dropped experienced heads Sterling and Thiago Silva and it paid off, even if Villa were far from their best. The FA Cup once again proves a safe heaven for Chelsea amid an an otherwise torrid season.