Marco Asensio struck twice as Aston Villa overturned an early deficit to secure a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Villa Park, ending their six-match winless run in the Premier League and closing the gap on the European spots.

Despite Villa’s formidable home form, Chelsea began brightly and needed just nine minutes to break the deadlock.

Pedro Neto surged down the right and delivered a low cross that evaded Emiliano Martínez, allowing an unmarked Enzo Fernández to slot home from close range.

The hosts responded with urgency, with Ollie Watkins forcing Filip Jörgensen into action, but Chelsea continued to pose a threat, as Fernández curled an effort just over and Cole Palmer’s deflected shot nearly crept in at the near post.

Christopher Nkunku also tested Martínez, but Villa showed signs of promise as the first half drew to a close.

Hoping to turn the tide, Unai Emery introduced Marcus Rashford after the break, and the Manchester United loanee made an instant impact. Just 15 minutes after coming on, he latched onto Matty Cash’s diagonal ball and set up Asensio, who tapped into an empty net to bring Villa level.

Chelsea nearly restored their lead when Moisés Caicedo played Palmer through, but Ezri Konsa raced back to clear the forward’s effort off the line.

As Villa pushed for a winner, Donyell Malen was denied in a one-on-one with Jörgensen. However, with just minutes remaining, Rashford and Asensio combined again to seal the comeback.

A quick one-two with Youri Tielemans from a corner allowed Rashford to fire a pass into Asensio, who struck first-time to squeeze the ball under Jörgensen.

With their victory, Villa became the first home team to win on matchday 26 and moved within a point of sixth-placed Chelsea, who remain winless in their last six league away games.