Chelsea captain Reece James was frustrated after the Blues wasted their lead against Aston Villa and revealed where the blame lies for their defeat at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea can only blame themselves for giving up their lead and falling to a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa, according to Reece James. The Chelsea captain points to two errors which ultimately cost the Blues all three points at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Joao Pedro handed Enzo Maresca’s team a first-half lead in west London as Villa failed to record a single shot. But the introduction of Ollie Watkins in the second period changed the game as the England striker downed the Blues.
Four minutes after his introduction, Watkins found the net for just his fourth goal in 25 appearances this term. The England international bagged his second from a corner as Unai Emery’s side transformed and racked up 11 shots in the second 45 minutes.
Villa matched their all-time club record of 11 consecutive victories after turning around what initially looked to be an insurmountable task – and James says Chelsea’s players have to shoulder the blame. “We dominated 60, 65 minutes of the game,” said James. “We came out sharp with the way we set up, we got off on the front foot and in the right way.
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“In the first 60 minutes they didn’t create any chances, and then they get one and the dynamic changes.
“We knew they’d make substitutions and the shape changed slightly but it was nothing we shouldn’t have been able to deal with. We understand the style and the way they want to play. We have ourselves to blame.
“Second half, one or two moments changed the game. They picked up momentum. It was two slight errors from us and we got punished. This is why it’s the toughest league in the world. It’s always disappointing to lose at home.”
Chelsea head coach Maresca would have liked to see his team be more clinical when they were in the ascendancy. The Italian coach also wants his side’s game management to improve.
“I think the goal we conceded for sure changed the dynamic of the game,” Maresca said in his press conference. “I don’t know if it’s the three changes, but for sure, until the goal we conceded, we were in control.
“I think by the time we conceded the first goal, we should have scored two or three goals. And then after the goal we conceded, the game completely changed. For sure, we have to be clinical because, again, as I said, by the time they scored the goal, I think we should have scored two or three goals and the game is different.
“But also, it’s probably how we can improve after we concede a goal to manage the game a little bit better, probably, in terms of game after game experience, these kind of things.”
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