Ollie Watkins scores twice off the bench as Aston Villa come from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1, extending their winning run to 11 games.
Ollie Watkins emerged from the bench to deliver a decisive second half performance at Stamford Bridge. His two goals fired Aston Villa to a 2-1 comeback win over a stunned Chelsea side. The victory extended Villa’s winning run to 11 matches in all competitions. It also kept Unai Emery’s side firmly in the title conversation.
Chelsea had looked in control for much of the first hour. Villa struggled to gain territory and failed to register a first half shot. Everything changed once Emery rolled the dice from the bench 15 minutes into the second half.
The hosts took a deserved lead in the 37th minute. Reece James delivered a dangerous corner from the left. Joao Pedro got the slightest touch in a crowded six-yard box to divert the ball over the line.
Chelsea had threatened earlier through Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez. Emiliano Martinez was forced into sharp saves before the opener. At half time, Villa looked second best and short of answers.
The turning point arrived just before the hour mark. Emery introduced Watkins, Amadou Onana and Jadon Sancho in a bold triple substitution. The change shifted the momentum almost immediately and gave Villa directness in attack.
Watkins announced his presence by setting up Boubacar Kamara, whose effort was smothered by Robert Sanchez. Moments later, Villa were level. Morgan Rogers slid a pass through the middle and Watkins raced clear.
Watkins’ equaliser in the 63rd minute carried a hint of fortune. His shot was blocked by Sanchez but rebounded off the striker and rolled in. The goal lifted Villa and unsettled Chelsea.
Villa pressed hard and Sanchez was called into action again. He denied Ian Maatsen and then Watkins from close range. The pressure told again in the 84th minute when Watkins rose highest to head home Youri Tielemans’ corner.
Chelsea dominated the first half with 10 shots and 1.98 expected goals. Villa failed to record a single attempt before the break. The second half told a very different story.
Villa outshot Chelsea 11 to four after the interval. Their expected goals rose to 1.19, compared to Chelsea’s 0.18. Watkins became only the second substitute to score a Premier League brace away at Chelsea this season.
Watkins’ impact off the bench defined the contest. His pace and movement stretched a Chelsea defence that had been comfortable. Rogers and Tielemans also played key roles in the turnaround.
For Chelsea, Joao Pedro worked hard and took his goal well. Cole Palmer faded late on and was replaced with 18 minutes remaining. Chelsea struggled to respond once Villa took the lead.
The win leaves Aston Villa just three points behind league leaders Arsenal. It also matches a club record of 11 consecutive wins, last achieved in 1914. Villa have now won more points than any side since matchday six. Villa now travel to Arsenal on Tuesday with belief growing fast and they will fancy themselves to upset the league leaders.
Chelsea drop to fifth in the table, level on points with Manchester United. Their next challenge is restoring confidence after another home setback when they host Bournemouth on Tuesday. Enzo Maresca’s side then face a daunting away trip to Manchester city on January 4th.
