Allback goal sees Villa lead Chelsea

Aston Villa 1, Chelsea 0 (half-time)

Marcus Allback scored only his second Premiership goal of the season to give Aston Villa a half-time advantage against Chelsea at Villa Park.

Graham Taylor’s side were full of purpose in the windswept conditions but only had Allback’s volley as tangible reward for their efforts as the visitors struggled to make an impact in front of goal.

Villa had dominated the opening half hour but there were signs of Chelsea coming more into the game with Zola starting to make his presence felt.

Enckelman, the target of the Villa boo boys in recent weeks, held onto a header from the 36-year-old and then cut out a dangerous cross from Le Saux.

Zola will also have been disappointed by a weak low effort straight at the Villa keeper after Ronny Johnsen had given possession away.

Villa continued to look the more threatening and Cudicini parried away a well-struck drive from Barry after Samuel had laid the ball into his path.

Chelsea were starting to play with more fluency as half-time approached but Villa managed to cling onto their lead.