Marcus Rashford hailed as Aston Villa’s new ‘hero’ after setting up both goals and inspiring comeback in dramatic 2-1 win over Chelsea

19:53 GMT 22 Feb 2025, updated 19:54 GMT 22 Feb 2025

• Marcus Rashford picked up two assists in Aston Villa’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea 

Marcus Rashford has been hailed as Aston Villa‘s new ‘hero’ after coming off the bench to set up both of their goals in their 2-1 victory over Chelsea.

Super sub Rashford was brought on with Villa trailing at half-time and twice set up Marco Asensio, including for his dramatic 89th-minute winner.

The forward, signed on loan from Manchester United in January after a falling out with Ruben Amorim, has enjoyed an eye-catching start to life in the Midlands and Jamie Redknapp believes his impact on Saturday will have impressed supporters.

‘I’ve got to be honest, I’m sure the manager was contemplating who he was going to take off,’ Redknapp said on Sky Sports. ‘He might’ve brought off Asensio, thank goodness from his perspective he did keep him on.

‘That substitution made all the difference. He was fantastic.

‘Marcus Rashford came on, the Holte End have got a new hero, he came with energy, enthusiasm, everything you want to see from the player.

‘It’s those other parts of the game, the running, the desire, he was excellent and he gave them that impetus. Marcus Rashford made the difference.’

More to follow.