Ollie Watkins came off the bench to score twice as Aston Villa staged a dramatic second-half comeback to beat Chelsea 2-1 and equal a 111-year-old club record.
The victory at Stamford Bridge marks Villa’s 11th successive win in all competitions—a feat the club has not achieved since 1914. The result ensures Unai Emery’s side remains firmly in the hunt for the Premier League title, sitting just three points behind leaders Arsenal.
On a day when their title rivals also refused to blink, Villa’s resilience keeps them in the slipstream of a high-speed race at the top of the table.
Emery’s ‘golden touch’
For much of the first hour, Villa appeared to be second best. Chelsea took a deserved lead in the 37th minute when Joao Pedro reacted quickest in a crowded penalty area to poke home following a Reece James corner.
With his side struggling to find their rhythm, Emery introduced a triple substitution just before the hour mark, bringing on Watkins, Amadou Onana, and Jadon Sancho.
The gamble paid off almost instantly. Within four minutes of his introduction, Watkins raced onto a Morgan Rogers pass. Although his initial effort was blocked by Robert Sanchez, the ball ricocheted back off the striker and into the net to level the scores.
The momentum swung entirely in Villa’s favor, and they found the winner when Watkins rose highest to power a Youri Tielemans corner past Sanchez, sparking wild celebrations in the away end.
Pressure mounts at the top
Villa’s victory was essential to keep pace in what is becoming a crowded battle for the trophy. Earlier on Saturday, the division’s other heavyweights also secured maximum points:
- Manchester City kept up the pressure on Arsenal with a clinical victory, ensuring they remain neck-and-neck with the Gunners.
- Liverpool also maintained their momentum with a win, highlighting the narrow margin for error for any team with title ambitions.
Analysis: A record-breaking run
By securing their 11th win in a row, this Aston Villa squad has matched a standard set by the club’s legendary sides of 1897 and 1914.
Under Unai Emery, the club has transformed from mid-table inhabitants into genuine contenders. While Chelsea dominated possession and forced several fine saves from Emiliano Martinez earlier in the match, Villa’s ability to “find a way” has become the hallmark of their season.
For Chelsea, it was another evening of frustration. Despite a strong performance from Joao Pedro and Reece James, they were unable to contain a rampant Villa once the substitutions were made, losing 1-2 in the end.
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