Dean Smith: Aston Villa energy levels 'incredible'

Anwar El Ghazi grabbed his fifth goal in as many games as Villa came from behind to claim a point for the first time this season and go fifth in the Premier League.

The performance was particularly impressive considering Smith made just one change to the team which had beaten Crystal Palace 48 hours previously.

And the boss said: “The energy level of the players was incredible considering we only played 48 hours ago.

“Before the game I had to weigh up what was the most important - fresh legs and rotation or momentum and confidence. In my mind it was the latter.

“I spoke to all the players, especially those who produced really big numbers against Palace. They looked me in the eye and said they were ready to go again.

“You have to trust your players and I certainly trust mine at the moment. They are not letting me down, that is for sure.”

Olivier Giroud had put Chelsea ahead in the 34th minute when he netted for the ninth time in his last seven matches against Villa.

But the visitors, who have taken 16 of a possible 21 points on the road this term, levelled when El Ghazi volleyed home five minutes into the second half.

Both teams went close to a winner, John McGinn hitting the post for Villa, while Ben Chilwell lashed a stoppage time volley inches wide.

Smith admitted the performances of El Ghazi and others is helping to take the pressure off skipper Jack Grealish.

He said: “Jack will be the first as well to be really pleased with the contributions from the likes of Bertrand Traore and Anwar.

“Both of them were waiting for opportunities at the start of the season. They had to bide their time but they have trained well and are now getting their time. It is seven goals between the two of them in the last five games.

“I think players can sniff a chance when it comes their way and they have certainly done that.”

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard had made six changes to the team which lost 3-1 at Arsenal on Boxing Day, bringing big money duo Kai Havertz and Timo Werner off the bench as his team hunted a winner

Smith continued: “They (Chelsea) have rotated what is a very strong squad. We thought they would do that.

“I thought we started the game better the first 20 minutes but then they came into it, scored a goal and we had to weather the storm after that.

“I felt they switched the play really well and kept getting two against one down the wing but we addressed that at half-time.

“We found a good balance, again, between defending and attacking.”