Superbly taken goals from Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson put us firmly in control at the interval and the tie was all but sealed when Enzo Fernandez produced a stunning free-kick in the 54th minute.

A late Villa consolation from Moussa Diaby didn't take the gloss off an excellent night for Chelsea, which sets up an enticing tie with Leeds United at Stamford Bridge in round five.

Chilwell, who captained the Blues at Villa Park, led by example with an assured performance and says the victory was built on the Chelsea players reacting in the right manner after back-to-back defeats.

'It wasn't about just wanting a reaction,' said the skipper. 'We needed one today. Fair play to the boys, there was pressure going into the game but we thrived off it.

'The confidence before the game in the changing room was the best I've seen it to be honest, the togetherness too. We delivered.'

The win in the Midlands continues our impressive form in the domestic cups this season, with the Blues already booked in for one final at Wembley in the Carabao Cup, against Liverpool later this month.

But after a difficult week in the Premier League, Chilwell dedicated our return to winning ways to both the supporters and the staff.

'As a club, the players, the manager, the staff, everyone at the training ground, the fans, everyone associated with Chelsea, needed that result today,' the skipper added.

'It was for everyone associated with the club. We needed to deliver today to get into the next round and we did.'