Aston Villa defeats Chelsea late thanks to two goals from Asensio and two assists from Rashford.
Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring after Villa's sluggish start, then Marco Asensio tied the score and scored the game-winning goal late in the game as Aston Villa defeated Chelsea 2-1. Both assists were supplied by Marcus Rashford. Chelsea is now one point ahead of Villa in sixth place.
Marco Asensio's double in the second half and Marcus Rashford's two assists helped Aston Villa overcome Chelsea 2-1 at home.
An unmarked Enzo Fernandez (9) gave Chelsea the lead early on when he tapped in Pedro Neto's cross, but Rashford's arrival would alter the course of the match.
After taking Jacob Ramsey's place at halftime, the Manchester United loanee quickly opened his tally in claret and blue by squarely putting the ball to fellow newcomer Asensio with his outstretched leg (57).
The home team gained momentum after the equaliser, and it was the same pair that combined for the game-winning goal in the 89th minute, when Asensio's strike narrowly missed Filip Jorgensen's body following another Rashford ball.
Both players were signed temporary contracts during the January transfer window, but they now appear to be settling into Unai Emery's team as their efforts propel Villa to within one point of sixth-place Chelsea, who lost their chance to finish in the top four.
Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa, on what he said to his team at halftime:
"We played exceptionally well in the Premier League's final three home games. Since we weren't scoring points while playing well, we were being demanding.
"The fact that we lost and didn't dominate the first half infuriated us. Our situation was improving gradually.
"We discussed our response and reaction in the second half, as well as the energy we required. I'm pleased with how we reacted and responded to earn three points.
"Today we had chances and scored."
Maresca: This is the season's worst defeat.
Enzo Maresca, manager of Chelsea:
"This is most likely the season's most difficult loss. The reason is that although Brighton's response has been excellent, this particular moment is insufficient.
"We have a team there. Pedro worked really well when we tried him down the wing. Right now, we are unlucky, and we must change that.
"You have to be clinical in this league. The box makes a difference; we had opportunities to score but failed.
