Chelsea vs Aston Villa player ratings: Mudryk appalling in front of goal as Loftus-Cheek stunts attack

Ollie Watkins and John McGinn scored at Stamford Bridge in a game that makes European football next season even less likely for the Blues and raises the possibility of the club recording their lowest Premier League-era result.

The main highlight of a wasted Chelsea was the return of N’Golo Kante for the first time since August 14, playing for Potter for the first time.

Nizaar Kinsella was at Stamford Bridge watching another terrible result for the Blues…

Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6

Kepa wasn’t busy but still had to take the ball out of his net twice. Both goals were not his fault, one an excellent one-on-one finish and the other a powerful drive into the corner from 25 yards out.

Reece James – 5

As a centre-back, the England international performed well in his one-on-one duels, but he was poor in unit organization at the back. He rarely ventured forward.

Kalidou Kouliably – 4

Koulibaly was Chelsea’s only threat in the box for his numerous corners and free-kicks and was unlucky not to score with a header. Unfortunately, he looked shaky at the back, making mistakes and couldn’t stop Watkins from running to score the opener.

Marc Cucurella – 3

Cucurella was the most at fault player for Watkins’ goal. His front foot defense just too often saw him out of position.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 4

The midfielder-turned-winger gave away the ball too regularly and, at times, held up attacks with his lack of crossing ability. In all honesty, that’s not his position as he tried to do a job for the team.

Enzo Fernandez – 6

In his typical fashion, he ruled the midfield with his impressive passing range and wonderful touch. He, however, failed to protect his back four alongside Kovacic.

Mateo Kovacic – 5

Tried to recreate his phenomenal goal against Liverpool with another scissor kick from 25 yards out. Some great balls behind but struggled defensively in transition.

Ben Chilwell – 6

One of Chelsea’s best players, almost winning an early penalty and finding the back of the net with a header that was harshly ruled out for a push on Ashley Young.

Mykhailo Mudryk – 3

Mudryk was able to do everything right until he found himself in a goalscoring position on his 57-minute appearance. He saw a tame shot saved one-on-one by Emiliano Martinez after catching Boubacar Kamara in possession, while a shot shortly after was even worse.

Kai Havertz – 6

Very unlucky not to score on a good set piece from a set piece that followed a good chest and volley effort that was saved. Well played but had nothing to show.

Joao Felix – 6

Joao Felix was very dangerous in the last third and with his energetic pressing. He saw several shots saved by Martinez and fired another wide from a corner in the 37th minute.

Substitutes

N’Golo Kante – 6

The midfielder returned for the first time in over seven months, temporarily lifting the mood in west London. He looked understandably rusty, shooting a big chance in the 65th minute.

Noni Madueke – 6

Excelled as a right-back, creating chances for others and having a shot just wide but didn’t offer much defensively.

Conor Gallagher – N/A

Christian Pulisic – N/A

Unused submarines: Bettinelli, Badiashile, Chalobah, Mount, Chukwuemeka