The Serve

Villa shock Chelsea

Chelsea has suffered its first defeat of the premier league season, losing to Aston Villa 2-nil at Villa Park.

The match broke open just after half time when Zat Knight nailed a header on his Villa debut. There was no way through for the Blues, with the game put to sleep when Ashley Young’s shot for goal was deflected in by Gabriel Agbonlaho.

Didier Drogba left the field near fulltime, noticeably hobbling.

“Zat’s goal calmed us down then Chelsea took the initiative slightly, but we kept at it,” said Villa manager Martin O’Neill

“I was very, very pleased with their attitude.

“It has been terrific since the opening day defeat to Liverpool and this will give us a big, big boost.”

Chelsea manager Jose Murinho was at his usual unhappy best after the game.

“A result that Chelsea didn’t deserve at all. We dominated the first half, reacted well to their goal and we deserved to get a point at least.”

Elsewhere, Manchester City lost its second game on the trot, going down at Blackburn 1-nil courtesy of Benni McCarthy’s goal in the 14th minute

While Arsenal dominated Portsmouth at the Emirates, winning 3-1 despite a red card to Philippe Senderos early in the second half. The Gunners led 2-nil at that stage.