ASTON VILLA PLAYER RATINGS: Emiliano Martínez, 7 – An impressive campaign from the former Arsenal man, but nothing impressive was required of him in this one aside from a remarkable save to deny Ben Chilwell late on. Hs first-half involvement was restricted to a handful of routine stops despite Chelsea’s dominance of the ball. Getty Images
ASTON VILLA PLAYER RATINGS: Emiliano Martínez, 7 – An impressive campaign from the former Arsenal man, but nothing impressive was required of him in this one aside from a remarkable save to deny Ben Chilwell late on. Hs first-half involvement was restricted to a handful of routine stops despite Chelsea’s dominance of the ball. Getty Images
Konsa, 7 - Comfortably dealt with Chilwell’s first darting run and cross just shy of the 10-minute mark with a well-timed challenge and he brilliantly shrugged off Mateo Kovacic as John McGinnn took aim. Perhaps didn’t quite do enough to close down Chilwell who netted what turned out to be a consolation. Getty Images
Konsa, 7 - Comfortably dealt with Chilwell’s first darting run and cross just shy of the 10-minute mark with a well-timed challenge and he brilliantly shrugged off Mateo Kovacic as John McGinnn took aim. Perhaps didn’t quite do enough to close down Chilwell who netted what turned out to be a consolation. Getty Images
Kortney Hause, 7 - A confident outing at the heart of defence from the 25-year-old who won a series of important aerial battles to keep his side on level terms. Had more than his fair share of defending to do, but he worked hard and was unfortunate not to register what would have been a deserved clean sheet. EPA
Kortney Hause, 7 - A confident outing at the heart of defence from the 25-year-old who won a series of important aerial battles to keep his side on level terms. Had more than his fair share of defending to do, but he worked hard and was unfortunate not to register what would have been a deserved clean sheet. EPA
Tyrone Mings, 7 - Relieved to see Mason Mount miscue after the defender could only nod a deep ball in from the left into the midfielder’s path. That was the first of many aerial battles for the Villa No 5, who stuck to his task well to keep the Blues at bay. A couple of slightly nervy moments, but a solid display for the most part. EPA
Tyrone Mings, 7 - Relieved to see Mason Mount miscue after the defender could only nod a deep ball in from the left into the midfielder’s path. That was the first of many aerial battles for the Villa No 5, who stuck to his task well to keep the Blues at bay. A couple of slightly nervy moments, but a solid display for the most part. EPA
Matt Targett, 8 – A relatively quiet start from the Villa left-back who was pinned inside his own half as Chelsea started on the front foot. His attacking contributions were limited and his free-kick from wide on the left was seen off by Thiago Silva, but he kept his side in front with an outstanding headed clearance with Mount lurking. Getty Images
Matt Targett, 8 – A relatively quiet start from the Villa left-back who was pinned inside his own half as Chelsea started on the front foot. His attacking contributions were limited and his free-kick from wide on the left was seen off by Thiago Silva, but he kept his side in front with an outstanding headed clearance with Mount lurking. Getty Images
John McGinn, 7 – In the battles in the first half as he was painfully clipped by Kovacic before holding off Mount. Close to striking a spectacular opener when he curled just wide of the post from 20 yards as the game sprung into life. Booked for catching Silva late in the 65th minute. AP
John McGinn, 7 – In the battles in the first half as he was painfully clipped by Kovacic before holding off Mount. Close to striking a spectacular opener when he curled just wide of the post from 20 yards as the game sprung into life. Booked for catching Silva late in the 65th minute. AP
Marvelous Nakamba, 8 - The aptly named midfielder produced a frankly marvellous block as Mount took aim again with Villa sitting perilously deep. That set the tone for a brilliant defensive display from the 27-year-old who worked tirelessly for the cause. Getty Images
Marvelous Nakamba, 8 - The aptly named midfielder produced a frankly marvellous block as Mount took aim again with Villa sitting perilously deep. That set the tone for a brilliant defensive display from the 27-year-old who worked tirelessly for the cause. Getty Images
Bertrand Traore, 8 - The lively midfielder had the Villa fans up out of their seats in anticipation when he gloriously jinked past a couple of challenges and into the penalty area, but his strike was easily dealt with by Edouard Mendy. He just can’t stop scoring against the big boys though, and his scuffed effort spectacularly cannoned in off the underside of the bar. The strike itself was a little fortuitous, but his evasive run to create the opportunity was excellent. EPA
Bertrand Traore, 8 - The lively midfielder had the Villa fans up out of their seats in anticipation when he gloriously jinked past a couple of challenges and into the penalty area, but his strike was easily dealt with by Edouard Mendy. He just can’t stop scoring against the big boys though, and his scuffed effort spectacularly cannoned in off the underside of the bar. The strike itself was a little fortuitous, but his evasive run to create the opportunity was excellent. EPA
Jack Grealish, 8 - Left a naughty one on Jorginho long after the Italian had played the ball. Teed up Traore to put the hosts ahead with a smartly taken corner. An impressive return and one that clearly lifted his side, while he was involved in another big moment as Cesar Azpilicueta saw red. Getty Images
Jack Grealish, 8 - Left a naughty one on Jorginho long after the Italian had played the ball. Teed up Traore to put the hosts ahead with a smartly taken corner. An impressive return and one that clearly lifted his side, while he was involved in another big moment as Cesar Azpilicueta saw red. Getty Images
Anwar El Ghazi, 7– Another man who has impressed this term, but his workrate was questionable early on against the spirited Blues as he showed an unwillingness to track back and protect his back four. Much better in the second half and he thundered his side 2-0 ahead from the spot. EPA
Anwar El Ghazi, 7– Another man who has impressed this term, but his workrate was questionable early on against the spirited Blues as he showed an unwillingness to track back and protect his back four. Much better in the second half and he thundered his side 2-0 ahead from the spot. EPA
Ollie Watkins, 6 - It took less than two minutes for the first much-awaited roar to erupt from the stands as the England forward stretched his legs in behind, but the move filtered out. Chances were ultimately limited as Villa had to soak up plenty of Chelsea pressure. Reuters
Ollie Watkins, 6 - It took less than two minutes for the first much-awaited roar to erupt from the stands as the England forward stretched his legs in behind, but the move filtered out. Chances were ultimately limited as Villa had to soak up plenty of Chelsea pressure. Reuters
SUBS: Carney Chukwuemeka, NR - A second first-team appearance for the 17-year-old and one he won’t forget as he was treated to a warm Villa Park reception for the first time (no match photo available). Getty Images
SUBS: Carney Chukwuemeka, NR - A second first-team appearance for the 17-year-old and one he won’t forget as he was treated to a warm Villa Park reception for the first time (no match photo available). Getty Images
Jacob Ramsey, NR - Became the second Villa teenager to feature off the bench when he replaced El Ghazi late on and he too enjoyed a warm reception. EPA
Jacob Ramsey, NR - Became the second Villa teenager to feature off the bench when he replaced El Ghazi late on and he too enjoyed a warm reception. EPA
CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Edouard Mendy, 5 – Like his opposite number he was limited to just a couple of simple saves in the first half, but he picked up a knock and had to be replaced at the break. Absolutely no chance of keeping out Traore’s strike. Getty
CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Edouard Mendy, 5 – Like his opposite number he was limited to just a couple of simple saves in the first half, but he picked up a knock and had to be replaced at the break. Absolutely no chance of keeping out Traore’s strike. Getty
Reece James, 5 - A quieter performance that we’ve come to expect from the attacking full-back who was unable to provide his useful stream of deliveries from the right having been deployed in a back three with Azpilicueta pushing higher. Getty Images
Reece James, 5 - A quieter performance that we’ve come to expect from the attacking full-back who was unable to provide his useful stream of deliveries from the right having been deployed in a back three with Azpilicueta pushing higher. Getty Images
Thiago Silva, 6 - It required a commanding header from the veteran defender to avert the danger as Targett launched a free-kick into the box and he had to be on his toes again to shepherd the ball out at the expense of a corner. Reuters
Thiago Silva, 6 - It required a commanding header from the veteran defender to avert the danger as Targett launched a free-kick into the box and he had to be on his toes again to shepherd the ball out at the expense of a corner. Reuters
Antonio Rudiger, 5 - Halted a dangerous Villa counter with a smart intervention to snuff out Traore’s slipped ball towards Ollie Watkins, but not too much else to shout about as Villa proved clinical on the counter. AP
Antonio Rudiger, 5 - Halted a dangerous Villa counter with a smart intervention to snuff out Traore’s slipped ball towards Ollie Watkins, but not too much else to shout about as Villa proved clinical on the counter. AP
Cesar Azpilicueta, 3 - Did well to keep Christian Pulisic’s floated pass alive right on the touchline before delivering a superb ball back across the face of goal which was glanced wide by Timo Werner, but he was caught sleeping as Traore avoided detection to fire home inside the box. Saw red for throwing a needless hand in the face of Grealish. Getty Images
Cesar Azpilicueta, 3 - Did well to keep Christian Pulisic’s floated pass alive right on the touchline before delivering a superb ball back across the face of goal which was glanced wide by Timo Werner, but he was caught sleeping as Traore avoided detection to fire home inside the box. Saw red for throwing a needless hand in the face of Grealish. Getty Images
Mateo Kovacic, 5 - Yet another Chelsea man who found himself in the book after clattering into Grealish as Villa looked to break and Chelsea threatened to lose their heads. Fired high, and wide as his effort ended up somewhere in the North Stand. Getty Images
Mateo Kovacic, 5 - Yet another Chelsea man who found himself in the book after clattering into Grealish as Villa looked to break and Chelsea threatened to lose their heads. Fired high, and wide as his effort ended up somewhere in the North Stand. Getty Images
Jorginho, 4 – Produced a stunning ball to find Azpilicueta in the build-up to a glorious chance for Mount but he saw yellow for wiping out El Ghazi as Chelsea frustrations ran high once more. Gifted the hosts a second from the spot with another clumsy challenge, this time on Traore. Getty Images
Jorginho, 4 – Produced a stunning ball to find Azpilicueta in the build-up to a glorious chance for Mount but he saw yellow for wiping out El Ghazi as Chelsea frustrations ran high once more. Gifted the hosts a second from the spot with another clumsy challenge, this time on Traore. Getty Images
Ben Chilwell, 7 - Plenty of endeavour and he dragged Chelsea back into the game when his low strike crossed the line, despite the impressive efforts of Martinez who managed to get a strong hand on it. Denied a rare brace by an outstanding save. Getty Images
Ben Chilwell, 7 - Plenty of endeavour and he dragged Chelsea back into the game when his low strike crossed the line, despite the impressive efforts of Martinez who managed to get a strong hand on it. Denied a rare brace by an outstanding save. Getty Images
Christian Pulisic, 6 - Failed to test Martinez with an acrobatic but ultimately tame effort as the American went for the spectacular overhead kick. Looked for all the world that he’d levelled the scores as his deflected effort span agonisingly wide of the far post. Set up Chilwell with a calculated cross back across the face of goal. Getty Images
Christian Pulisic, 6 - Failed to test Martinez with an acrobatic but ultimately tame effort as the American went for the spectacular overhead kick. Looked for all the world that he’d levelled the scores as his deflected effort span agonisingly wide of the far post. Set up Chilwell with a calculated cross back across the face of goal. Getty Images
Timo Werner, 4 – Lacked the required conviction in front of goal and that told the story of his season. He failed to get a meaningful connection on Azpilicueta’s inviting delivery and later struck straight at Martinez, either side of a complete air shot. Booked for a cynical challenge just before the break, before his second-half tap-in was chalked off with Azpilicueta deemed to be offside. Getty Images
Timo Werner, 4 – Lacked the required conviction in front of goal and that told the story of his season. He failed to get a meaningful connection on Azpilicueta’s inviting delivery and later struck straight at Martinez, either side of a complete air shot. Booked for a cynical challenge just before the break, before his second-half tap-in was chalked off with Azpilicueta deemed to be offside. Getty Images
Mason Mount, 5 - An unbelievable season for the midfielder, but even he could afford a wry smile as an ambitious effort eventually trickled harmlessly wide to the delight of the home faithful. Later blazed horribly over from 12 yards when he should have at least hit the target. Getty Images
Mason Mount, 5 - An unbelievable season for the midfielder, but even he could afford a wry smile as an ambitious effort eventually trickled harmlessly wide to the delight of the home faithful. Later blazed horribly over from 12 yards when he should have at least hit the target. Getty Images
SUBS: Kepa Arrizabalaga, 6 - An unlikely appearance off the bench for the goalkeeper who replaced Mendy as a precautionary measure. Beaten from the spot by El Ghazi, but otherwise a relatively quiet afternoon’s work. AFP
SUBS: Kepa Arrizabalaga, 6 - An unlikely appearance off the bench for the goalkeeper who replaced Mendy as a precautionary measure. Beaten from the spot by El Ghazi, but otherwise a relatively quiet afternoon’s work. AFP
Hakim Ziyech, 6 - Replaced Jorginho, probably for the best after a bad day all round for the Italian. Showed good feet to wriggle free in the box and find Chilwell, who was denied by a phenomenal Martinez save. PA
Hakim Ziyech, 6 - Replaced Jorginho, probably for the best after a bad day all round for the Italian. Showed good feet to wriggle free in the box and find Chilwell, who was denied by a phenomenal Martinez save. PA
Kai Havertz, 6 - Replaced Kovacic and almost gave his lifeline within a couple of minutes when he stabbed just over at full stretch. A decent performance off the bench from the 21-year-old. Reuters
Kai Havertz, 6 - Replaced Kovacic and almost gave his lifeline within a couple of minutes when he stabbed just over at full stretch. A decent performance off the bench from the 21-year-old. Reuters

Football

Aston Villa v Chelsea player ratings: Jack Grealish and Bertrand Traore both get 8; Mason Mount 5, Timo Werner 4

Villa end season with 2-1 win at Villa Park but Chelsea still hold on to top four thanks to Tottenham's victory over Leicester

Liam Wheeler

May 23, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Aston Villa signed off their Premier League season with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Chelsea in front of 10,000 fans on Sunday.

Bertrand Traore's scuffed finish and Anwar El Ghazi's penalty either side of halftime gave Villa a 2-0 lead, before Ben Chilwell halved the deficit with 20 minutes remaining. Chelsea's hopes of a late equaliser suffered a setback when captain Cesar Azpilicueta was issued a straight red card for his challenge on Jack Grealish.

Read More

Chelsea secure top four despite defeat at Aston Villa as Tottenham fight back to beat Leicester

It was a game that Chelsea largely dominated in terms of possession and territory but Villa defended stoically and stayed dangerous on the break to pose plenty of problems.

The result could have ended Chelsea's hopes of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League. Luckily for the Blues, Tottenham fought back from 2-1 down to beat Leicester City 4-2 at the King Power Stadium to ensure Thomas Tuchel's side will be playing top-tier European club football next season.

Reflecting on the performances at Villa Park, Liam Wheeler has provided his player ratings in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.

SPECS

Toyota land Cruiser 2020 5.7L VXR

Engine: 5.7-litre V8

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 362hp

Torque: 530Nm

Price: Dh329,000 (base model 4.0L EXR Dh215,900)

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
More on Afghanistan
While you're here
More from Firas Maksad
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Places to go for free coffee
  • Cherish Cafe Dubai, Dubai Investment Park, are giving away free coffees all day. 
  • La Terrace, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, are serving their first 50 guests one coffee and four bite-sized cakes
  • Wild & The Moon will be giving away a free espresso with every purchase on International Coffee Day
  • Orange Wheels welcome parents are to sit, relax and enjoy goodies at ‘Café O’ along with a free coffee
Match info

Uefa Champions League Group B

Barcelona v Tottenham Hotspur, midnight

The currency conundrum

Russ Mould, investment director at online trading platform AJ Bell, says almost every major currency has challenges right now. “The US has a huge budget deficit, the euro faces political friction and poor growth, sterling is bogged down by Brexit, China’s renminbi is hit by debt fears while slowing Chinese growth is hurting commodity exporters like Australia and Canada.”

Most countries now actively want a weak currency to make their exports more competitive. “China seems happy to let the renminbi drift lower, the Swiss are still running quantitative easing at full tilt and central bankers everywhere are actively talking down their currencies or offering only limited support," says Mr Mould.

This is a race to the bottom, and everybody wants to be a winner.

While you're here
While you're here...
Why are you, you?

Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
From this question, a new destiny.
For you are a world, and a meeting of worlds.
Our dream is to unite that which has been
separated by history.
To return the many to the one.
A great story unites us all,
beyond colour and creed and gender.
The lightning flash of art
And the music of the heart.
We reflect all cultures, all ways.
We are a twenty first century wonder.
Universal ideals, visions of art and truth.
Now is the turning point of cultures and hopes.
Come with questions, leave with visions.
We are the link between the past and the future.
Here, through art, new possibilities are born. And
new answers are given wings.

Why are you, you?
Because we are mirrors of each other.
Because together we create new worlds.
Together we are more powerful than we know.
We connect, we inspire, we multiply illuminations
with the unique light of art.

 Ben Okri,

Mobile phone packages comparison
Fast%20X
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Louis%20Leterrier%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Vin%20Diesel%2C%20Michelle%20Rodriguez%2C%20Jason%20Statham%2C%20Tyrese%20Gibson%2C%20Ludacris%2C%20Jason%20Momoa%2C%20John%20Cena%2C%20Jordana%20Brewster%2C%20Nathalie%20Emmanuel%2C%20Sung%20Kang%2C%20Brie%20Larson%2C%20Helen%20Mirren%20and%20Charlize%20Theron%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
FootballSport