ASTON Villa’s converted midfielder Dalian Atkinson gave the perfect answer to criticism from the terraces with the only goal against Chelsea.

Revelling in his new role, he settled the issue after just six minutes, thus ending Villa's run of three league games without a win and moving them within striking distance of the leaders.

The goal was set up by Tony Daley in his last league appearance at Villa Park before his £2 million move to Udinese. His inch-perfect left-wing cross found Atkinson, who headed past Chelsea 'keeper Dmitri Kharine for his fifth goal of the season.

Atkinson then forced a fine save out of Kharine with a 20 yarder and set up a chance for Dean Saunders, whose chip was inches wide.

Villa dominated the opening period although 'keeper Mark Bosnich had to make a fine one-handed save to keep out an Andy Dow volley.

With player-manager Glenn Hoddle adopting a more forward role, Chelsea had more of the play in the second half. But Robert Fleck wasted their best chance when he shot wide from 12 yards in the 55th minute after latching onto a misdirected clearance.

A Saunders' snapshot which flew past the post was the nearest Villa came to increasing their lead.