Asensio Shines as Aston Villa Stuns Chelsea in Thrilling Finish

LONDON, England (AP) — Marco Asensio‘s decisive double led Aston Villa to an exhilarating 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea on February 22, 2025, as they climbed to seventh place in the Premier League standings.

The Villa Park crowd erupted when Asensio found the net twice in the second half, reversing an early deficit after Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández struck first in the eighth minute. Asensio’s goals not only showcased his scoring prowess but also reignited hopes of a national team call-up for the 29-year-old, who hasn’t represented Spain since September 2023.

Manager Unai Emery highlighted Asensio’s impact on the team, stating, “Marco’s performance today was exceptional. He consistently creates opportunities and shows his quality on the pitch, making him invaluable for our squad.” Asensio’s partnership with fellow forwards Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins has become a vital asset for Villa, with the trio combining effectively on several occasions.

Despite dominant possession and numerous attempts on goal, Chelsea was kept at bay until Fernández capitalized on a clever pass from Pedro Neto, giving the visitors an early lead. Villa suffered missed chances, particularly from Watkins, who faced strong saves from Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Filip Jörgensen.

However, the turning point came in the second half when Asensio scored his first goal in the 57th minute, converting a perfect assist from Rashford, who dribbled past defenders to set up the Spaniard. Asensio then completed the turnaround with a well-placed shot close to the end of the match, solidifying his role as the hero.

“I am overjoyed to have helped the team secure these critical points,” Asensio said after the match. “The fans were incredible, and we fed off their energy to push through a tough game.” His performance has opened discussions about a potential return to the national team, especially given his history alongside other Spanish talents.

As the Premier League season progresses, Aston Villa appears to be gaining momentum, creating a scenario where their players could earn their places back in international competition. The team’s success under Emery has indeed revitalized Villa Park, and fans are hopeful for larger achievements this season.

The victory placed Villa just one point behind Chelsea, intensifying the competition for European qualifications. With several key matches approaching, Asensio and Villa will seek to continue their winning streak and make a case for higher standings in the league.