Didier Drogba's early goal was to no avail as Chelsea suffered a second successive away defeat, this time 2-1 at Aston Villa. Drogba opened the scoring courtesy of an error by Villa keeper Brad Friedel.
But instead of building on this moment of good fortune it was Villa who fought back to take the three points.
And it was Chelsea's lack of concentration from set pieces which was to cost them as the hosts netted twice from corners.
On 32 minutes Ashley Young's corner from the left flicked off the head of Frank Lampard and Richard Dunne headed home.
Then, early in the second half came the winner.
Another Young corner from the left, and this time James Collins rising unmarked at the back post headed past a stunned Chelsea rearguard.