The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.
This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years.
Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight.
Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
Aston Villa FC 2 – 2 Chelsea FC
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
22:19
Chelsea fight back from two goals down to salvage something from a game they dominated for nearly 90 minutes, as off-colour Aston Villa settle for a 2-2 draw at Villa Park. The hosts struck at either end of the first half to build what appeared to be a healthy lead heading into the second, but the Blues continued to flood forward and Madueke pulled one back just after the hour mark. Then, Gallagher lived up to his status as captain by producing a brilliant equaliser, before his side honed in on maximum points. However, Disasi’s late goal was chalked off by the VAR, letting Villa out of jail following a tepid performance. Chelsea’s final xG stands at 1.37 to their hosts’ 0.87, demonstrating how the match unfolded, but they remain adrift of eighth-placed West Ham, with a London derby against Tottenham scheduled for next Thursday. Villa – who now lead Spurs by seven points – will be back in Conference League action that day, hoping to fare better against semi-final opponents Olympiacos than in today’s tame display. That’s all from today’s live coverage, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
22:07
FULL-TIME: ASTON VILLA 2-2 CHELSEA
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
22:07
JUST OVER! Duran leaps above Gallagher to meet a corner-kick from the left, but his glancing header lands on the top of Chelsea’s net, not inside it! Villa almost stole the win there!
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
22:06
NO GOAL! Disasi’s goal is ruled out by the VAR! It stays 2-2 at Villa Park, as Badiashile shoved his marker! What a let-off for the home side, and Pochettino is incandescent on the touchline!
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
22:06
Yellow Card Benoît Ntambue Badiashile Mukinayi Baya
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
22:06
Yellow Card Chukwunonso Tristan Madueke
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
22:04
GOAL CHECK! Chelsea seem set to celebrate a late winner, as Disasi heads the ball in via Olsen’s glove and the crossbar. There was surely a foul in the build-up, though, and it’s doubtful that this goal will stand. The referee heads off to the pitchside monitor!
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
22:02
SUPER STOP! Palmer beats three men and slips through one-on-one with Olsen, but the substitute goalkeeper charges out to close down the angle and makes a crucial save! Surely that should’ve been Chelsea’s winner! If anyone was going to convert it, Palmer was surely the man.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
22:00
Own goal Robin Patrick Olsen
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:58
In the second minute of at least seven added for stoppages at the end of this match, Chelsea take a left-wing free-kick short. Gallagher then drives in towards the centre, but his long-range blast is charged down at source.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:55
MISS! Cash cuts the ball back from near the right byline, but Villa’s main man Watkins for once lacks composure and thumps a first-time shot well over the crossbar from around 10 yards out! That was the hosts’ best chance of this half.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:54
Substitution Thiago Emiliano da Silva Axel Wilson Arthur Disasi Mhakinis Belho
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:54
Substitution Mykhailo Mudryk Cesare Casadei
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:52
The ball drops to Konsa on the edge of Chelsea’s area, but the Villa defender guides his shot over the crossbar. There have been very few chances for the hosts since half-time, but it’s still possible they could snatch maximum points.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:52
Yellow Card Thiago Emiliano da Silva
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:48
Substitution Moussa Diaby Jhon Jader Durán Palacio
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:47
Yellow Card Mykhailo Mudryk
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:46
Assist Chukwunonso Tristan Madueke
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:46
Pau Torres covers across to cut short the progress of Jackson, who takes a loose first touch when played through into the box by Madueke. The latter has stepped up a gear during this second half, but Chelsea’s central striker still lacks finesse.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:45
Goal Conor John Gallagher
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:44
Chelsea are back on the attack, as Cucurella cuts in from the left and tees up a 20-yard shot for Palmer, who lurks in space on the edge of the box. However, his latest effort is swung wide of the target – there have been several wayward attempts from the Blues’ top scorer so far.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:42
SAVE! Finally, Villa escape on the break, as Rogers drives forward from midfield and lays the ball off for Bailey, who cuts in from the right. The Jamaican winger’s low shot is kept out by Petrovic, who then follows up by kicking the loose ball away to safety!
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:39
Substitution Douglas Luiz Soares de Paulo Timothy Emeka Iroegbunam
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:39
Substitution Leon Patrick Bailey Butler Diego Carlos Santos Silva
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:38
With a cute pass, Caicedo plays through Madueke on the right side of the area, setting up a strike from 10 yards out. However, his shot from a tight angle is turned away by Olsen, who is well positioned at his near post.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:37
The home side avoid losing another player to injury, as Digne resumes his role on the left flank. Tackles are flying in now, as this game becomes increasingly testy.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:35
Villa’s last shot was Rogers’ goal shortly before half-time, and Chelsea are by far the dominant force. The visitors’ momentum is quelled, though, as Digne sits down on the turf to receive treatment from the medics.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:31
Yellow Card Leon Patrick Bailey Butler
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:28
Yellow Card Morgan Elliot Rogers
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:28
Gallagher and Madueke combine from a free-kick, then the ball is swung high into Villa’s box. Olsen leaps highest to claim it under pressure. The hosts are hanging on now.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:27
Goal Chukwunonso Tristan Madueke
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:26
Olsen spills a cross from the corner, having taken a knock to the ribs; he’s awarded a free-kick. The home side can’t afford to lose another goalkeeper to injury now, so Unai Emery will be relieved Olsen can continue.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:26
Palmer takes Chelsea’s first corner-kick from the right, which is met by Thiago Silva at the back post. His header strikes Cash at close range and goes behind for another corner.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:24
Chelsea’s share of the ball stands at 76 per cent since the break, so the pattern of play remains unchanged. Aston Villa are defending steadfastly so far, though, and have kept their visitors at bay.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:22
Olsen fields a straight drive by Caicedo from more than 20 yards out, giving the substitute goalkeeper a feel of the ball. The boots of Martinez are big ones to fill, but he’ll have to do so again next Thursday, in the Europa Conference League semi-finals – Villa’s shootout hero will be suspended.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:20
WIDE! After flicking the ball past Digne with his first touch, Madueke again beats the French full-back inside Villa’s box. His shot towards the bottom-left corner is hit with venom but zips a few feet wide of the upright! He perhaps should have found the target there.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:18
Palmer is dropping deep, picking up the ball and driving at the hosts’ deep defence. It seems that Chelsea are continuing more or less where they left off before half-time. They’re posing a threat.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:13
Yellow Card Moisés Isaac Caicedo Corozo
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:13
Yellow Card Douglas Luiz Soares de Paulo
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:13
With his weaker right foot, Cucurella swipes at a cross from the right wing and sends his shot well over the crossbar. Since starting this game with an early own goal, he’s clearly been desperate to make amends.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:10
Chelsea kick off, and we are back under way at Villa Park!
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:09
Substitution Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero Robin Patrick Olsen
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:08
Aston Villa have a record of 13 wins from 15 when leading at half-time in the Premier League this season, while Chelsea have won just once after trailing at the break. That points to only one outcome today, but the Blues have been the better side in many respects so far and still have some hope with Palmer in their team.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
21:01
A curious encounter at Villa Park sees Champions League-chasing Aston Villa leading Chelsea 2-0 at half-time, despite having less than a third of the ball and conceding plenty of territory. The hosts went in front following their first significant attack, but then slowly withdrew into their shell, allowing their visitors to boss possession and twice come close to equalising: luckless Jackson first had a goal chalked off by the VAR for offside, then headed a gilt-edged chance against the post from close range. To compund Chelsea’s misery, Villa struck again before the break, as Rogers finished off a counter-attack. That gives them something to defend during the second half, and the live win-predictor calculator has their chances of victory at 89 per cent.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:54
HALF-TIME: ASTON VILLA 2-0 CHELSEA
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:54
Madueke runs into traffic in the opposition box, allowing Diaby to set off Villa’s latest counter-strike. However, Badiashile does just enough to see off Watkins in Chelsea’s area and guide the ball back to Petrovic.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:53
Bailey and Diaby combine to spark a potential counter-attack from just inside Aston Villa’s half, but the latter’s pass through for Watkins is overhit and ultimately sails out of play.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:51
After slipping, Bailey flies into a challenge with Gallagher and concedes a free-kick, but there have still been no yellow cards in this contest so far.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:49
There will be at least six minutes added for stoppages, following an injury to Tielemans and Jackson’s VAR-denied ‘goal’.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:48
The home fans are in full voice now, after being quietened by Chelsea’s long spell of dominance. Villa had been edging back into it a little before Rogers netted his third goal in five league games, but few would argue they merit a two-goal lead.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:43
Assist Matthew Stuart Cash
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:43
After Mudryk is brought down by Bailey near the left touchline, Palmer’s delivery from the free-kick is sent towards the near post, where Thiago Silva can’t latch on to it.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:42
Again, Rogers is able to find space on the break, but this time his pass lacks accuracy and allows Chelsea to counter at pace. They briefly threaten to carve Villa open, but Gallagher then sends a long-range shot spiralling over the crossbar.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:41
SHARP SAVE! Villa almost strike on the counter! Rogers slips through Watkins on the left side of the area, and the England striker thumps a fierce shot at goal: Petrovic reacts quickly to keep it out at his near post!
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:39
OFF THE POST! Jackson spurns a great chance to equalise! Cucurella stands up a teasing cross from the left byline, picking out the striker less than 10 yards from goal, but he steers his header against the base of the right-hand post! Will the Blues end up regretting that miss?
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:37
It seems that Palmer’s presence in a creative role has transformed Chelsea from the side that were overwhelmed on Wednesday. He’s playing a big part in their dominance of this first half.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:35
McGinn curls over a free-kick from the right touchline, but Badiashile heads it clear from near the penalty spot. Villa are still awaiting their second shot on target, having had few opportunities in the final third thus far.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:33
The hosts have become very passive since taking the lead after less than four minutes, and they are struggling to get out of their own half now. It’s by no means a siege, but Chelsea are keeping the ball and moving it well.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:32
Full of confidence from his recent goalscoring exploits, Palmer lets fly with another ambitious shot from outside the area, but it strikes Pau Torres in the chest and Villa get the ball clear of any immediate danger.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:29
There’s concern for Unai Emery and fans of Aston Villa, as Tielemans drops to the turf and seems unable to continue. He’ll receive treatment from the medics, but substitutes are already warming up.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:29
Substitution Youri Marion A. Tielemans Moussa Diaby
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:27
Cucurella fights to keep the ball in on the left byline, and his cross keeps Chelsea’s attack going. However, it concludes with a tame low shot from long range, taken by Caicedo. Martinez makes a simple save.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:26
It’s still Chelsea dominating the ball, with a 72 per cent share of possession, and at the end of a long, patient move, Palmer fires well over the crossbar from around 20 yards out.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:24
Watkins is now caught offside, as he tries to evade Badiashile and reach a Douglas Luiz throughball. Villa have been pushed back for the last few minutes, but they remain a real threat on the break.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:22
NO GOAL! Chelsea’s equaliser is chalked off after a VAR review! Jackson was just offside when he sprinted through the centre and then went on to finish coolly past Martinez. It stays 1-0 to Aston Villa, who will be thankful for such a close escape!
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:20
VAR CHECK! Beating Villa’s high line, Jackson peels away from his marker and surges past Cash, then beats an on-rushing Martinez with a neat finish into the top of the net! The goal is given, but he doesn’t celebrate, as the VAR immediately intervenes to review whether he was offside!
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:18
After Watkins sprints away on the break, he exchanges passes with McGinn, then drives in a low shot from just inside the box. However, it is comfortably saved by Petrovic.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:18
Assist Moisés Isaac Caicedo Corozo
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:18
Jackson almost links up with Mudryk on the left byline, but the striker’s ball back into the danger area is too weak and allows Aston Villa to clear the ball to safety. The hosts have dropped back a few yards now, keeping Chelsea at arm’s length.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:16
Some neat passing triangles from Chelsea’s flair players produce an attractive move towards Villa’s defensive third, but they fail to find a way through and are forced to rebuild from deep. Nonetheless, Pochettino will be relatively pleased with how his team have responded to their early setback.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:13
Chelsea enjoy their first sustained spell of possession, as they shift the ball about in midfield. Madueke and Caicedo link up down the right, but the latter’s curling cross is volleyed away by Konsa in the centre.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:12
Douglas Luiz sends in a free-kick from the right towards the penalty spot, and after Digne wins the header, Petrovic just about manages to punch a dropping ball clear inside his six-yard box. The flag then goes up for a foul in any case.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:10
Buoyed by their early breakthrough, Aston Villa attack again, as Bailey makes progress down the right before Digne fires a half-volley into the side-netting from a tight angle on the left.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:07
Own goal Marc Cucurella Saseta
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:07
Villa will today try to complete their first league double over Chelsea since 1989-90, after winning 1-0 in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge in September. Having won four of their last five games at Villa Park, they may fancy their chances of doing so.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:02
Aston Villa kick off, and we are under way in Birmingham!
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:02
SUBS: Marcus Bettinelli, Axel Disasi, Cesare Casadei, Deivid Washington, Ted Curd, Alfie Gilchrist, Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George, Kiano Dyer.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
20:00
The players are out on the pitch at Villa Park, and kick-off in this Premier League contest is now just moments away!
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
19:54
Making three changes in response to his team’s grim defeat on Wednesday, Pochettino brings in Chalobah and Thiago Silva for Gilchrist and Disasi in defence, while main marksman Palmer returns from illness. The latter replaces Enzo Fernandez, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing groin surgery and joins Malo Gusto, Ben Chilwell, Reece James and several others on the sidelines.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
19:54
Villa make only one change from last week’s lineup, as Douglas Luiz returns from suspension to replace Moussa Diaby; the French forward drops to the bench. Watkins – who has scored 19 Premier League goals and bagged the winner at Stamford Bridge earlier this season – starts up front. Unai Emery is again without injured trio Jacob Ramsey, Alex Moreno and Nicolo Zaniolo, plus long-term absentees Boubacar Kamara, Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings.
19:49
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Djordje Petrovic; Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher; Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk; Nicolas Jackson.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
19:49
SUBS: Robin Olsen, Diego Carlos, Calum Chambers, Clement Lenglet, Moussa Diaby, Jhon Duran, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Tim Iroegbunam, Omari Kellyman.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
19:44
ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Emi Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; Youri Tielemans, Douglas Luiz; Leon Bailey, John McGinn, Morgan Rogers; Ollie Watkins.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
19:38
Chelsea’s recent eight-game unbeaten run ended abruptly during the last week, as a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals was followed three days later by a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of London rivals Arsenal. Mauricio Pochettino’s side – who won a cup replay at Villa Park in February but lost September’s reverse fixture – sit ninth in the Premier League and are six points behind the top seven, leaving them in danger of missing out on European qualification.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
19:33
In the driving seat to secure their first top-four finish since 1996, Aston Villa can move nine points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham with a win today, though Spurs will then have three games in hand. Unai Emery’s Lions roared back from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-1 last weekend, recording their 20th Premier League win of the season, and are on target to secure Champions League qualification. Villa can also look forward to the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos next week.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
19:33
Hello and welcome to live coverage of today’s Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Chelsea at Villa Park!
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
19:00
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…