Badiashile should be one of the first players to be sold this summer after his error cost Chelsea against Aston Villa

Chelsea once again dropped points from a leading position as the Blues allowed Aston Villa to come back and claim a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were coasting to a comfortable three points until the 60th minute, when Benoit Badiashile gifted Villa possession, and Ollie Watkins made the West Londoners pay.

Enzo Maresca had surprisingly started the Frenchman at the back ahead of compatriot Wesley Fofana.

Badiashile showed why he should be one of the first names on the chopping block next summer.

The 24-year-old tends to give the ball away in delicate situations, and yesterday, he cost the Blues.

A better clearance or more measured pass, and Chelsea could have escaped that sequence, but he was not calculated enough.

Badiashile’s penchant for giveaways and horrendous injury record should be enough reason for Chelsea to consider a sale this summer.

The Blues are crying out for a sturdy defensive rock to deputise for Levi Colwill, and the former AS Monaco man has shown he is not up to the task.

Cobham Academy graduate Josh Acheampong should already be above Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo in the centre-back pecking order.

Age is often used as a shield, but Acheampong has shown a level of composure and decision-making that the more experienced duo routinely lack.

He keeps things simple under pressure, reads danger early, and doesn’t carry the same error-prone tendencies that continue to undermine Chelsea’s control in key moments.

Badiashile’s lapses in concentration and unreliable fitness, combined with Adarabioyo’s physical limitations, make both expendable.

Acheampong, by contrast, looks mentally ready for senior minutes every time he steps onto the pitch for the FIFA Club World Cup champions.

If Chelsea are preparing to cut their losses, those minutes should be invested in a defender who represents progress.