Pato scores as Chelsea thrash Villa

Aston Villa 0 Chelsea 4

Pedro scored twice and Alexandre Pato was also on target on his long-awaited Chelsea debut in a convincing win at Villa Park.

The ease of the victory, against an Aston Villa side destined for relegation, was no surprise but the manner in which it was achieved – with a reshuffled defence and three players making their debuts during the course of the game – will be a real positive for boss Guus Hiddink.

American defender Matt Miazga made his first appearance since being signed in January, while youngster Jake Clarke-Salter came on as a substitute.

Chelsea were content to control possession in a subdued first 20 minutes but broke through the first time they went through the gears.

John Mikel Obi started the move, Pedro spread the ball wide for Cesar Azpilicueta and the Spaniard’s cross was turned in by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, via a deflection off Joleon Lescott.

Villa were not cowed by the goal, and Blues keeper Thibaut Courtois did well to block at his near post from Carles Gil, while Jordan Ayew rolled a shot just past the upright.

Shortly before Chelsea’s opening goal, Pato – a January loan signing from Corinthians – finally appeared off the bench for the first time, after Loic Remy went off injured.

And he got himself on the scoresheet on his debut as he tucked away a penalty after being fouled by a clumsy challenge from Aly Cissokho.

Chelsea scored again just 50 seconds into the second half as they carved open the Villa defence with ease.

Oscar, who had only came on at half-time, was immediately involved, exchanging quick passes with Pato before cutting the ball back for Pedro to fire home.

And when Villa keeper Brad Guzan could only parry Pato’s curling shot on the hour mark, Pedro was there again to turn the ball in from an acute angle for Chelsea’s fourth.

Chelsea knocked the ball around with ease while the thoroughly despondent Villa players were taunted by their own fans.

Villa should have had a penalty of their own when Pedro appeared to clip substitute Jack Grealish, but they also finished with 10 men as Alan Hutton was sent-off for a second yellow card.