Premier League: Aston Villa 2 Chelsea 4

31 March 2012 19:29

Chelsea maintained their push for Champions League qualification with a 4-2 win at Aston Villa in the English Premier League on Saturday.

The visitors from west London took the lead nine minutes into the match at Villa Park, when Daniel Sturridge slotted home from close range.

It was 2-0 six minutes into the second half, as full-back Branislav Ivanovic headed home Juan Mata's corner via a Fernando Torres flick-on.

Chelsea appeared to be cruising toward a comfortable away victory, before Villa struck twice in quick succession to level proceedings.

Centre-back James Collins headed home Eric Lichaj's long throw on 77 minutes to make it 2-1.

And American defender Lichaj was on target himself three minutes later, getting on the end of Marc Albrighton's delivery.

But Chelsea were not to be denied.

With the home fans still celebrating Villa's comeback, Ivanovic met a floated delivery from substitute Florent Malouda, heading past goalkeeper Shay Given for his second and Chelsea's third.

And there was still time for Torres to put the outcome beyond doubt with his first Premier League goal since September.

The Spain international broke clear of the Villa backline to fire a trademark finish low beyond Given.

Roberto Di Matteo's Chelsea side stay fifth, but are now within two points of fourth-placed Tottenham, who host Swansea City on Sunday.

Villa's second defeat in succession leaves them just five points clear of the relegation zone with eight matches of the season remaining.