Aston Villa's Champions League Push Falters After Defeat to Chelsea

Villa's Lack of Ruthlessness Costs Them Three Points

Chelsea Dominates Possession but Villa Scores Decisive Goals

Aston Villa's hopes of securing Champions League qualification suffered a setback on Wednesday night as they were defeated 2-1 by Chelsea at Villa Park.

Despite enjoying 75% possession and hitting the woodwork, Villa succumbed to two clinical goals from Chelsea. The defeat leaves Villa in 10th place in the Premier League, seven points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Villa manager Steven Gerrard admitted that his team's lack of ruthlessness in front of goal was their downfall.

"We created enough chances to win the game, but we didn't take them," said Gerrard. "Chelsea were more clinical than us, and that's why they got the three points."

Villa's next match is a home clash against Manchester United on Saturday.