Blues finally click to dig under-fire Pochettino out of a hole

Chelsea produce most convincing display of season as manager gets big calls right

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Aston Villa                  3
Diaby 90+1

Chelsea                          1

WHAT a difference four days makes. Derided after Saturday's 4-2 home defeat by Wolves, Chelsea suddenly produced their most convincing display of the season to offer hope that Project Pochettino will come good.

A young side with an average age of just 22.8 blew Aston Villa away to reach the FA Cup fifth round and send a strong message that they are still playing for their manager.

Mauricio Pochettino has been under intense scrutiny, but this was a night when he got the big calls right.

Thiago Silva was dropped after his wife, Belle, called for change at Chelsea. In his absence, Benoit Badiashile (right) partnered Axel Disasi in central defence, and the Blues looked much more secure at the back. On this evidence, it will be hard for Silva to regain his place in the team.

With a faster backline, Chelsea could play higher up the pitch and cause Villa problems with their press. Two attacking full-backs - Ben Chilwell and Malo Gusto - got the balance right between going forward and digging in defensively.