Merciless Chelsea humiliate Villa in 8-0 thrashing
Purchase this article for republication
Buy SPH photos
Chelsea's Ramires, third left, celebrates scoring his side's fifth goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Sunday, Dec 23, 2012. -- PHOTO: AP
LONDON (AFP) - Rafael Benitez took a big step in his efforts to win over doubting Chelsea fans by overseeing a stunning 8-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday that moved the Spaniard's side back up to third spot.
Fernando Torres kick-started the win with his seventh goal in six appearances, while Frank Lampard marked his 500th Premier League start with a goal that made him the club's leading scorer in the top flight.
Ramires scored twice, with David Luiz, Branislav Ivanovic, Eden Hazard and Oscar also on target in a victory that emphatically drew a line under the club's recent slump.
There was much for Benitez to be pleased about, particularly the continuing good form of Torres.
