Chelsea flying after seven-goal Villa rout

Frank Lampard
12 April 2012

Assistant coach Ray Wilkins insists Chelsea will go to Manchester United next weekend brimming with confidence after destroying Aston Villa 7-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Four goals from Frank Lampard, two from Florent Malouda and another from substitute Salomon Kalou gave Chelsea their biggest top-flight victory. John Carew had briefly stunned the Blues with a 29th-minute equaliser but Chelsea were back in front before the interval and then slammed another five past stunned Villa in the second half.

"We will go to Manchester United with the utmost confidence because we are playing good football, defending well and attacking with pace and power," said Wilkins.

"I am not sure what message it sends out but as far as we are concerned in the camp, we are delighted with the way things are going. We are playing some very good football and the work ethic is absolutely top draw.

"We have a group of winners. The goal difference is in our favour but I still think there are many more twists and turns to come and I think it will go to the wire.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admitted the defeat had been one of the worst days of his managerial career.

"We were well beaten," said O'Neill. "At 3-1 we capitulated, which is unlike us.

"It was a tough lesson to take. We have not conceded too many goals this season. We have been well and truly hammered here."

Villa's chances of finishing in fourth spot now look slim as they languish seven points behind Tottenham.

"We have to fight back and we intend to do so, but we have to put some things in perspective and we were well beaten by a top quality team. In terms of finishing fourth? On that performance we would not finish 44th."

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