Chelsea claimed an easier than anticipated three points thanks to goals from Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka.
Some may say that the game served as a reality check for fans who believe Villa can challenge the top four.
But, in truth, only two teams in the league can play like this.
Chelsea are obviously one and as we find out every season, Manchester United are the other.
Usually, Villa at least match Chelsea for endeavour and for the last three years they have remained unbeaten against the Blues in the league.
This game was all that Villa fans had feared and all that Big Phil Scolari had dreamed of.
Chelsea finally overpowered their Claret and Blue opponents.
They finally produced the kind of football that had been expected before Villa beat them in the Midlands last season and before the same side nearly put them to the sword in the corresponding fixture on Boxing Day.
Frank Lampard was imperious in the middle and Nicolas Anelka, as he so often is against Villa, was sharp and lethal.
Bouncebackability
The Villa backline couldn't cope in the first half but made a better fight of it in the second.
Chances were few and far between for Gabby Agbonlahor and John Carew but they did manage to fashion one opening which was repelled by Petr Cech and his blue backline.
Winger Ashley Young didn't have the best of games in front of watching England boss Fabio Capello.
The display may have cost him a place in the squad to face Kazhakstan and Belarus but to be fair he merits a spot on previous performances.
Stewart Downing, who was selected ahead of Young, has had a torrid start to the season, missing two penalties so far.
The Villa man deserves the chance to prove himself but Martin O'Neill is one man who won't be complaining.
The defeat at Chelsea could have one benefit if a Young returns fitter and fresher for the Portsmouth game in two weeks time.
That is probably the only benefit, but whether Villa have aspirations of a top four finish or not, any points at the Bridge have to be treated as a bonus.
The fact that they didn't claim anything is disappointing, but not deadly for their chances during the remainder of the campaign.
Villa's bouncebackability will now be tested against the F.A. Cup holders, who won 3-0 at Villa Park last season.