Mauricio Pochettino reacts to Enzo Fernandez’s pointed celebration in Chelsea win

Mauricio Pochettino says Enzo Fernandez’s celebration against Aston Villa was a reaction to abuse he and his Chelsea team-mates have received this season, while he praised the midfielder’s display.

The Argentine playmaker, a £107million signing from Benfica just over a year ago, produced one of his best performances in a Chelsea shirt as the west Londoners secured a 3-1 victory at Villa Park in their FA Cup fourth-round replay.

Fernandez dominated the midfield and controlled the tempo of the game, capping his man-of-the-match display with a stunning free-kick that flew past compatriot Emi Martinez.

After scoring, he took off his shirt and held it up to the travelling supporters, pointing at his name as well as the pitch – with many taking the gesture as a reference to his commitment to the club despite speculation he may be regretting making the move to Stamford Bridge.