Alexandre Pato makes stunning start with goal on Chelsea debut against Aston Villa

Matt Miazga also made his debut in experimental line-up

Tom Sheen
Saturday 02 April 2016 08:36 EDT
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Chelsea striker Alexandre Pato
Chelsea striker Alexandre Pato (Getty )

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Alexandre Pato finally made his Chelsea debut during the first-half against Aston Villa, having a hand in all four goals as the Blues easily won 4-0.

The Brazilian, signed on 27 January, was not fully fit when he joined the club as Chelsea faced criticism over signing a striker who was not ready to play.

Pato was not even considered for first-team action for almost a month, as he worked his way back up to fitness having not played since November. Chelsea fans were further infurated during March when Pato didn't make it onto the pitch throughout March despite star striker Diego Costa being unavailable.

Bertrand Traore, a 20-year-old winger, and Loic Remy, a striker who was close to leaving in the January window, were instead preferred by interim manager Guus Hiddink, leading to more unrest.

On Friday, the Dutch coach announced he would be playing an 'experimental' side against Villa, and that Pato may get some playing time, but then named Loic Remy as the starting striker.

However, the Frenchman was injured (as has been his way in two seasons at Stamford Bridge) in the 23rd minute and Pato finally came on.

His impact was immediate.

The Brazilian, 26, had a hand in the first goal, playing a neat pass out to the right wing in the build-up to Ruben Loftus-Cheek's deflected opener.

Pato was then fouled by Aly Cissokho at the back-post during the first-half of injury time. The former AC Milan striker picked himself up and fired home the penalty with an confident strike.

His excellent start at Chelsea continued less than a minute into the second half.

Picking up the ball in the final third, Pato played the ball left and then played an absolutely perfect one-two with Oscar, also on as a substitute, who cut back for Pedro to make it 3-0.

He hand a hand in the final goal as well, although Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan should take the majority of the credit/blame.

Pato picked the ball up on the inside left channel, cut inside and curled a strike into the far corner - the American completely fumbled, however, and Pedro dinked home delightfully for his second.

A stunning start from the Brazilian.

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