The Blues roared from behind to swat third-placed Villa aside with a commanding attacking display that could even have yielded more goals.

Joao Pedro was the hero with a hat-trick, and we have covered his dynamic display and potent run of form in our Joao Pedro analysis piece. The focus here is on other aspects of our play that caught the eye, starting with Alejandro Garnacho’s excellent showing…

Garna’s hard works pays dividends

The Argentinean was a constant menace on our left flank, giving his opposite full-back Matty Cash a torrid time in the first half, prior to the Polish international’s withdrawal. He was on a yellow card for a foul on our No.49.

Garnacho hugged the touchline and regularly operated in line with the last defender, allowing us to stretch the play both in terms of our width and attacking from deep. He deployed impressive chest control to gather diagonal passes played in his direction, and tested Cash time and again with his capability to go on the inside or the outside.

When it came to creating chances, Garnacho unselfishly laid the ball on a plate for Joao Pedro’s hat-trick goal, but he might easily have already registered an assist by then. His teasing delivery found the Brazilian forward early on as his header well saved by Emiliano Martinez.

Garnacho also teed up shots for Enzo Fernandez, Reece James, Cole Palmer and Jorrel Hato in the first half alone, while one dangerous cross was very nearly turned into his own net by Ezri Konsa.

In total, Garnacho registered six key passes – three times as many as the next player in that department – and had three shots on goal himself. He was denied by the legs of his compatriot Martinez in the second half, which was a shame because it was a goal his display deserved.

Rosenior, who had praised Garnacho in the build-up to the game for his high standards in training even when not playing regularly, will also have liked his defensive output. The winger showed his willingness to work for the team by making a game-high four tackles at Villa Park, regularly tracking back to offer our rearguard support.

Navigating the high line

The Blues made the most of coming up against Villa’s high defensive line rather than the low blocks we have been accustomed to facing in recent weeks.

As mentioned, the width of Garnacho helped us spread the play wide left. On the right-hand side of the pitch, Malo Gusto was given licence to spring forward from deep and get into dangerous positions.

That’s exactly what happened with our equaliser. When Fernandez picks up the ball, Gusto recognises there is space to run into behind Morgan Rogers and Ian Maatsen. Villa players are caught ball watching, and are concerned by Palmer’s positioning.

Gusto accelerates and the pass that follows from Fernandez is perfectly weighted, allowing the Frenchman to bend his run to meet it.

Gusto still has plenty to do, showing impressive patience to wait for exactly the right moment to square the ball across goal for Joao Pedro to convert.

The Brazilian’s movement all evening caused Villa issues. He is so mobile across the frontline, occupying defenders and opening space up for others.

Look at the build-up to our fourth. With Konza out of position, Lamare Bogarde – who replaced Cash – is concerned about Joao Pedro’s run through the middle.

That means Garnacho goes unnoticed behind. Palmer is good enough to pick him out, the winger’s control and subsequent square pass is perfect, and Joao Pedro is well ahead of the Villans’ centre-backs to tap in his third of a very productive evening.

The two goals created from deep epitomised the different ways in which we were able to exploit Villa’s defensive line.

Maturing Hato impresses again

On his third start in our past four games, Hato put in another solid showing at left-back.

The 19-year-old linked up nicely with Garnacho and could even have fired us in front after weaving into the box during the first half. As the images above in the build-up to our equaliser show, he could be found inverting at points to add weight to our attacking numbers.

Hato’s two successful dribbles was a Chelsea-high figure along with James, while he completed 54 of his 57 passes – equating to a 95 per cent success rate.

The Dutchman also won two tackles and five duels, underlining his desire to be diligent and decisive defensively. With every passing week, Hato looks more comfortable and mature in Chelsea blue.