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Chelsea logo
Premier League
Aug 21, 2013 at 7.45pm UK
 
Aston Villa logo

2-1

Luna (6' og.), Ivanovic (73')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Benteke (45')

Branislav Ivanovic seals Chelsea win

Branislav Ivanovic heads Chelsea to a 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have maintained their 100% start to the season with a 2-1 win over an impressive Aston Villa unit at Stamford Bridge this evening.

Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea is congratulated by teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on August 21, 2013© Getty Images

The home side took an early lead thanks to a fortuitous own goal from Antonio Luna. The Spaniard was in the wrong place at the wrong time as he bundled the ball into his own net after Brad Guzan had saved from Eden Hazard.

However, Christian Benteke showed clinical composure to slot past Petr Cech for his third goal in two Premier League games this season on the stroke of half time.

After giving a good account of themselves in the first period, Paul Lambert's men did not shy away in the second, with Matt Lowton and Benteke coming close to giving Villa the lead.

Instead, it was the Blues who sealed victory courtesy of Branislav Ivanovic, who rose highest to bury Frank Lampard's free kick with a powerful header.

The Serbian may count himself fortunate to have still been on the pitch having elbowed Benteke moments before finding the net.

Villa also had a late shout for a penalty when the ball appeared to hit John Terry on the hand, but referee Kevin Friend waved play on despite vehement protests.

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho waves to the crowd as he is welcomed back Chelsea fans before kick off against Hull on August 18, 2013
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