A game which in reality provided a run-out for both clubs' squad players made a mockery of what is supposed to be a serious competition last night. A hat-trick from Gianluca Vialli, the third coming six minutes from time, helped the holders Chelsea win this tie against the Premiership leaders. But the evening had an anti-climactic feel which was enhanced by the late sending off of Dennis Wise.

Chelsea, with eight of Sunday's team who drew 0-0 at Leeds missing, started the brightest and Tore Andre Flo, Gustavo Poyet and Mark Nicholls all tested the excellent Villa goalkeeper Michael Oakes. A goal seemed inevitable but it was Villa, with six changes from Saturday's draw with Leicester, who provided it after 10 minutes. From a 25-yard free kick Mark Draper found the back of the net courtesy of a big deflection off the wall.

The home side immediately resumed their dominance, with Poyet twice going close. Just after the half-hour, though, Chelsea pulled level after Villa lost the ball inside their own half. It was picked up by Bernard Lambourde, whose run toward goal had the defenders back-pedalling furiously.

In no time the Frenchman had reached the edge of the area; the ball flew to Vialli and the Italian stroked it home.

Vialli, who had been running around like a spring lamb on this rare outing, scored his second after 67 minutes. He picked up Poyet's pass in the area and with a deft turn fired the ball past Oakes.

Four minutes later Chelsea scored their third. Ian Taylor fouled Flo, Wise took the free-kick and the Norwegian headed it past Oakes.

Chelsea: Kharine, Petrescu (Terry 86), Babayaro, Poyet, Vialli (Harley 90), Wise, Duberry, Flo, Lambourde, Nicholls (Clement 76), Morris. Subs Not Used: Hitchcock, Zola. Sent Off: Wise (87). Booked: Petrescu, Vialli. Goals: Vialli 32, 67, Flo 71, Vialli 85.

Aston Villa: Oakes, Charles (Vassell 75), Wright (Jaszczun 74), Ehiogu, Watson, Taylor, Draper, Joachim, Grayson, Scimeca (Thompson 56), Byfield. Subs Not Used: Rachel, Samuel. Booked: Taylor, Thompson. Goals: Draper 10.

Referee: G Barber (Pyrford).