Two goals from substitute Ollie Watkins stunned Chelsea on Saturday after Aston Villa soaked up intense pressure before coming from behind to record a 2-1 win in the Premier League.
It was the 11th straight win in all competitions for Birmingham, who are proving to be a title contender and sit in third place, just three points behind leaders Arsenal in the table.
«Emery changed (the system) because Chelsea played man-to-man. We had an extra body up there. Tactical genius, I would say.»Ollie Watkins to Sky Sports after the match
The team will be back in London on Tuesday for a crucial match against Arsenal.
Chelsea were in complete control when captain Reece James’ corner swung towards a crowded goalmouth in the 37th minute and clipped Joao Pedro’s leg before crossing the line to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
There were plenty of chances wasted, with James, Enzo Fernandez, Alejandro Garnacho and Cole Palmer shooting wide or high, and Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was forced into action to save from Palmer and Joao Pedro.
The half-time statistics showed that Chelsea had 28 touches in the opponent’s penalty area, compared to Villa’s three possessions and more than 71 percent possession.
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However, Unai Emery’s substitutions shortly before the end turned the match on its head, with the visiting side responding with new energy and momentum.
In the 63rd minute, while on the counter, Watkins, who had been on the field for just four minutes, outwitted defender Trevoh Chalobah and scored from a rebound against home goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
And Watkins completed the comeback in the 84th minute, heading in a Youri Tielemans corner.
Ollie Watkins scored the winning goal for Aston Villa, beating Chelsea markers and securing full points for his side on the road. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Ollie Watkins scored the winning goal for Aston Villa, beating Chelsea markers and securing full points for his side on the road. | Photo credit: REUTERS
“Great win. Personally, I love coming off the bench and scoring goals,” Watkins said Air sports. «Emery changed (the system) because Chelsea played man-to-man. We had an extra body up there. Tactical genius, I would say.»
The result meant that Aston Villa equaled the all-time club record of eleven consecutive victories, achieved in both 1897 and 1914.
The rise this season is remarkable after failing to win any of its first five games.
It has achieved a series of comeback victories: against Leeds United, where it went 0-1 down and won 2-1, Brighton & Hove Albion, where it was 0-2 down and came back to win 4-3, and West Ham United, where it won 3-2 after being 1-2 down.
For Chelsea it is one win in six Premier League games, and they are ten points behind Villa, who are in fifth place.
Published on December 28, 2025
