REVEALED: What happened at half-time at Stamford Bridge that makes Chelsea players goes crazy against Aston Villa
Chelsea players were not happy today when the half-time whistle was blown by Jarred Gillett.
Journalist Matt Law has explained that the Australian referee appeared to blow for the break a minute early, leaving the Blues furious as to what had happened.
The first half consisted of a fair bit of time lost for various reasons, with Aston Villa players for sure taking their time at every available moment.
There were also moments that saw VAR forced to intervene. For example, they checked to see if Axel Disasi’s disallowed goal was correctly ruled out.
Chelsea were mostly lumbering in the opening 45 minutes, with very few inspiring performances.
Chelsea furious with referee
Similar to last week, Robert Sanchez had a really strong first half to keep Villa at bay whenever they did attack.
Another star performer in the first half was Mykhailo Mudryk, who really should have gone into the changing rooms with at least one assist to his name.
He played a sensational ball in behind for Nicolas Jackson, who really should have some better in his attempt to open the scoring.
As has so often been the story this season, the Blues were made to rue a stronger first half as Villa struck the only goal in the second half through Ollie Watkins.
Their efforts were not helped by Malo Gusto being sent off, leaving Mauricio Pochettino a query on who will feature at right-back next time out.