Chelsea storm into top five with handsome win at Villa | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJonathan VealWednesday 04 March 2026 22:35 GMTChelsea’s Joao Pedro, left, celebrates his hat-trick goal at Villa Park (Nick Potts/PA)Chelsea secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, significantly boosting their Champions League aspirations.Joao Pedro was the star of the match, scoring a sensational hat-trick, with Cole Palmer adding another goal for Chelsea.Douglas Luiz initially put Aston Villa ahead within three minutes, but Chelsea displayed resilience to overturn the early deficit.The win propels Liam Rosenior's side into the top five, narrowing the gap to Aston Villa in fourth place to just three points.Aston Villa's form is nosediving, having won only one of their last six games, putting their Champions League qualification in jeopardy.In fullJoao Pedro hat-trick bolsters Chelsea Champions League hopes at expense of Aston VillaThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in