The returning Diego Costa played a key role as Chelsea earned a much-needed win over struggling Aston Villa.

The striker tapped in Willian’s pass midway through the first half after defender Joleon Lescott’s mis-control gifted the ball to the home side.

It was a welcome break for the Blues, who doubled their lead when Villa’s Alan Hutton deflected in Costa’s shot.
Chelsea, 16th in the table at the start of the day, were not at their best - but Villa offered little.

What contributions Tim Sherwood’s side did make to the game were all in Chelsea’s favour as they repeatedly gave the ball away and were punished accordingly.

They remain in 18th place and without a win in their past eight matches.

Chelsea’s second home win of the season moves them up to 11th in the table, five points behind fourth place.

Chelsea’s desire was epitomised in one incident, 20 minutes from time when a group of Blues defenders flung themselves at the feet of Lescott to prevent him poking the ball in from close range to give Villa a foothold back in the game.

*Villans in need of some heroes*

Sherwood only took over at Villa in February, after which he saved them from relegation and led them to the FA Cup final - achievements that should earn him time in his job.

They started reasonably well at Stamford Bridge, keeping Chelsea at bay with a packed midfield and occasionally breaking with purpose, albeit with no end product.

Jack Grealish was lively for 20 minutes on his return to the side and Rudy Gestede proved a physical challenge for Blues captain John Terry on the few occasions the ball came near him.

But Sherwood - and his bosses - should be concerned by the mistakes that regularly gifted Chelsea possession and ultimately the win, as well as the way the players meekly accepted a fifth straight defeat once Costa’s low shot had found the net off Hutton’s boot.