Richard Dunne has warned Villa’s set-piece threat can make them a force to be reckoned with this season after two goals from corners sank Chelsea.

The claret and blues fought back from a Didier Drogba opener to claim a stunning 2-1 win over the Blues at Villa Park, with Dunne and central-defensive partner James Collins both converting corners from Ashley Young.

Of the 12 goals Martin O’Neill’s men have scored in the Premier League this season, nine of them have come from set-pieces – and Dunne is confident it is a sign of things to come.

The defender said: “We are very fortunate we have got Ashley Young, James Milner and Stephen Warnock who can all smack in a ball pretty much on the button. It is rare to get that many at one club.

“We scored two and should have scored another against a team renowned for their defensive qualities. We have a few who can head it. Every time we get in the box we look dangerous.”

It was a second goal in as many games for Dunne following a carbon copy goal against Manchester City a fortnight ago – and this time the Irishman was delighted to milk the celebrations after toning them down against his former club.

He said: “It was nice to be able to celebrate the goal. I was delighted to have scored and it meant a lot to me to score against City but that was a different situation. Saturday was better for me and I enjoyed it.”

Goalkeeper Brad Friedel took full responsibility for Drogba’s goal after misjudging the bounce of the Chelsea striker’s shot.

He said: “There have been millions of times goalkeepers have made mistakes and teams go on to win matches. It is easier to regroup when you are more experienced.

“It took a much higher bounce than I had anticipated off the turf. Once it has gone, it has gone. You can’t take it back. The important thing is you don’t make another mistake.”

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti claimed his team were the superior side – but admitted they were second best on set-pieces.

The Italian said: “We are disappointed because I think we played a good match, but we lost this game on the set-plays and I don’t like to lose the game on the set-plays.

“It is better we lose when the other team play better than us. Villa did a very good job, but Chelsea also produced some very good play.”

But O’Neill disagreed and believes his side were worthy winners.

He said: “I think Ancelotti’s comments are kind of crazy if that is the case.

“Chelsea over the last five years have won numerous games on set-plays. World Cups have been decided on set-plays. It would be doing us a real disservice. That is part of the game. Since Martin Laursen left here, we have missed him and we have been undone by set-pieces.

“Suddenly we have got some players here who are prepared to attack them.”

But the Villa boss was able to see the funny side of an accidental clash with Nicolas Anelka, which saw the Chelsea striker send the manager tumbling on the touchline.

O’Neill laughed: “I thought he should have been sent off! But I didn’t roll around. I just got on with it.

“The only thing injured was my pride – but then I never could tackle anyway!”