Things could not have gone much better for debutant Matt Miazga on Saturday, and the player admitted as much afterwards.
The 20-year-old centre-back became the first American to play for Chelsea when he was drafted in by manager Guus Hiddink to cover for injuries to John Terry and Gary Cahill, and put in a mature display to help us on our way to a comfortable 4-0 win.
Miazga and partner Branislav Ivanovic dealt well with the physical presence of Rudy Gestede in the Villa attack, while at the other end we ran riot thanks to goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, fellow January signing Pato and a brace from Pedro.
‘The boys were fantastic today. The starting 11 were brilliant and the guys who came in were flawless,’ Miazga said afterwards.
‘Aston Villa just lost their manager, so we knew they would be energetic trying to show their fans they are still in it, and the first 20 minutes was a bit like a chess match, but we settled down and got the first goal from Ruben. From there it was cruise control for us, we dominated the midfield with Cesc and Obi, and it was a comfortable win.
‘It was a good debut for me, I’m happy to contribute to the team and now I have to work hard in training to keep trying to get more chances.’
Hiddink informed the former New York Red Bulls player he would be starting the game on Saturday morning, allowing little time to mentally prepare for a Premier League bow, but he took it in his stride and is now hoping for more involvement as the season draws to a close.
‘I found out in the morning I would be in the starting 11. It’s my job, my profession and I have to be ready when I am called upon and show the manager I can contribute and help the club,’ he said.