Chilwell says recent Blues fuelled Chelsea in victory at Villa

Cian Cheesbrough
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Ben Chilwell said Chelsea needed a response against Aston Villa
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Ben Chilwell said Chelsea used recent criticism as fuel to inspire their impressive FA Cup win at Aston Villa.

The Blues triumphed 3-1 in a fourth round replay at Villa Park as they bounced back from successive heavy defeats in the Premier League to Liverpool and Wolves.

First-half goals from Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson were topped off by a sensational Enzo Fernandez free-kick after the break.

Moussa Diaby pulled one back for the disappointing hosts but it was not enough to stop Mauricio Pochettino's men setting up a fifth-round tie with Leeds.

England international Chilwell, 27, told ITV Sport: "It was exactly the reaction we wanted and needed. It wasn't about just wanting a reaction, we needed it. 

"We wanted that pressure. We thrived off it. The confidence before the game in the changing room was the best I have seen it — the togetherness [we showed].

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"Fair play to all of the boys. We delivered on the pitch today."

The victory against Unai Emery's side eases the pressure on Pochettino, who was feeling the heat after a disastrous seven days.

Chilwell added: "As a club, the players, manager, the staff, the fans everyone involved in the club [needed a result]. It wasn't just the manager. 

"Everyone associated with Chelsea needed that today. 

"We knew we needed to deliver today to get into the next round and we did."

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Pochettino, 51, felt the dominant display in the West Midlands was the best since he arrived at the club last summer.

The Argentine said: "It was one of the best, maybe the best performance of the season — arriving at a very good time for us!"

Poch also challenged supporters to show patience with his young side. 

Chelsea's win at Aston Villa eased the pressure on Mauricio Pochettino

He added: "In a club like Chelsea you need to win. They don't want to hear excuses.

"But we are not the Chelsea of another time. It is a new project. The people need to believe. 

"If they believe, fantastic."

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ChelseaAston VillaFA Cup

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