Summary Following a poor quality first half in which few chances were created, the match was brighter in the second, with Chelsea generally having the better of the play.
George Weah missed several chances and
Dennis Wise had a goal disallowed for
offside, while Villa's
Gareth Southgate headed wide. On 73
minutes,
Roberto Di Matteo scored what proved to be the winning goal, capitalising on an error from Villa
goalkeeper David James to put the ball in the net from close range. James came roaring off his line to deal with Zola's free-kick from the left, he fumbled the ball against Gareth Southgate's chest with Di Matteo blasting the rebound into the roof of the net. Villa could not get back in the match, their best chance falling to
Benito Carbone, but his tame shot did not test Ed de Goey in goal.
Details {{football box
Statistics Source: The People ==References==