ALEXANDRE PATO marked his long-awaited Chelsea debut with a goal as the Blues won 4-0 to leave crisis club Aston Villa teetering on the brink of relegation at the end of a miserable week.

    Having parted company with manager Remi Garde on Tuesday, and then seen Gabriel Agbonlahor suspended amid an investigation into his conduct, interim Villa boss Eric Black presided over a limp performance at a frustrated Villa Park, where supporters voiced their anger and despair and displayed banners venting their feelings.

    On the pitch, Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s first Premier League goal gave Chelsea the lead before Pato’s introduction for his maiden Chelsea appearance following his signing in January.

    The Brazilian soon converted a penalty he won himself and he was also instrumental in the second half, combining with countryman Oscar to create two goals for Pedro, as the Blues’ slender hopes of a top-six finish were given a boost.

    Alan Hutton’s late sending off ended a dismal afternoon on another low note for Villa, which has suffered seven defeats in a row for a second time this season.

    Meanwhile, Tottenham dropped two points in its pursuit of English Premier League leader Leicester by drawing at Liverpool 1-1, with England forward Harry Kane becoming a Spurs record-breaker in scoring the equalizer Saturday. Kane swiveled before burying a low shot into the far corner in the 63rd minute to earn Spurs a point at Anfield, canceling out Philippe Coutinho’s goal for Liverpool in the 51st.

    (SD-Agencies)