Romelu Lukaku rescued three points for Chelsea as they got their Premier League title bid back on track.
Thomas Tuchel's men have fallen off the pace in recent weeks as Manchester City opened a gap at the summit.
And it looked as if Pep Guardiola's side were going to extend their lead as Aston Villa made the breakthrough against the Blues.
Steven Gerrard's men took the lead through a Reece James own goal, before Jorginho got Chelsea back on level terms from the penalty spot.
But super sub Lukaku climbed off the bench to fire Chelsea to a come from behind win with an excellent header just after the break, before Jorginho clinched the 3-1 victory.
Here are five talking points from the Premier League clash.
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Reece James blunder
Aston Villa opened the scoring through a Reece James own goal and the 1-0 lead was thoroughly deserved after an energetic first 30 minutes from the hosts.
Matt Targett's cross deflected off the Chelsea right-back and sailed past Edouard Mendy.
It was a bad mistake from James who has been prolific in front of goal this season for Chelsea, but on this occasion, it went in the wrong net.
From a Villa perspective, it was well earned after coming firing out the blocks in the first half.
Ice cool Jorginho
Jorginho got Chelsea back on level terms almost immediately, after the midfielder fired home a clinical penalty.
The Blues were awarded a spot-kick after Matty Cash fouled Callum Hudson-Odoi after a brilliant passage of play down the left.
Jorginho made no mistake with his vintage stutter run-up, but had to deal with the mind games of Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez.
The former Arsenal goalie picked up a yellow card as he tried to damage the turf of the penalty spot, but the Italian managed to navigate his gamesmanship with an ice-cool finish as Martinez went the wrong way.
Jorginho then scored the third and final goal, again from the penalty spot, as he wrapped up the three points in added-on time.
Captain America struggles
Christian Pulisic led the line for Chelsea but it was obvious the nimble American was not in his natural position.
The forward did not get any real quality service and the ball wasn't able to stick when it did find him with no touches in the opposition box during the first half.
Aston Villa were able to counter-attack on multiple occasions during the first half and looked very dangerous on the break, through Ollie Watkins.
Tuchel opted not to start Romelu Lukaku who hasn't featured since they're 3-2 win over Leeds after missing games in isolation although he tested negative for Covid-19.
And it was clear to see that they missed the Belgian in the opening 45 with no shots on target registered in the first 25 minutes.
Lukaku to the rescue
Lukaku was brought on at the break as the talisman made an immediate impact to give Chelsea the lead.
The striker played as the focal point, moving Pulisic into a deeper position, something which was a much better fit.
Hudson-Odoi floated a brilliant box in the box as Lukaku showed brilliant movement to glance his header past Martinez.
The Belgian then went on a rampaging run in stoppage time as he was fouled in the penalty area, which Jorginho converted to seal the win.
Chelsea looked like a different team with Lukaku in it and there is no doubt his absence has impacted their poor run of form.
But Tuchel will be delighted he was able to have such a profound impact off the bench as his introduction went a long way in securing the three points.
Watkins shines
Ollie Watkins continued his fine form as he caused Chelsea backline all sorts of problems, particularly in the first half.
Villa broke with speed and the Englishman was an effective outlet for the home side down the left-hand side.
The striker has impressed under Steven Gerrard and is looking like the player of last season who had him linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer.
It was a bold move to start Danny Ings and Watkins up top but Villa were rewarded for their bravery as they look the lead, although they, unfortunately, couldn't hold onto it.
