Ollie Watkins came off the bench to lead a remarkable comeback for Aston Villa, who overturned a deficit to assert their Premier League title ambitions against Chelsea, marking their 11th straight victory in all competitions.
Chelsea took a deserved lead in the 37th minute when striker Joao Pedro managed to get a crucial touch during a goalmouth scramble as Villa attempted to clear a corner from Reece James.
Aston Villa, aiming to match a club record set in September 1897 and March 1914, had struggled until manager Unai Emery made a triple substitution just before the hour mark, bringing on Watkins, Amadou Onana, and Jadon Sancho for Emiliano Buendia, John McGinn, and Donyell Malen.
Emery’s timely changes paid off within four minutes as Watkins sprinted onto a pass from Morgan Rogers.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez saved at his feet, but the rebound deflected off Watkins and into the net.
Villa’s performance transformed, and crucial saves by Sanchez from Ian Maatsen and Boubacar Kamara were needed to keep Chelsea, who had been in control for much of the match, level.
However, Chelsea could not withstand the onslaught from a revitalized Villa, with Watkins scoring again as he powerfully headed in a corner from Youri Tielemans past Sanchez.
This victory keeps Villa just three points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.
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Emery is currently enjoying a successful run as manager, and his impactful substitutions turned the game around, ensuring Villa remains a contender for the Premier League title.
Seeing his team struggling against a comfortable Chelsea side that was leading 1-0, Emery acted decisively to set the stage for an impressive win.
He made the three substitutions before the hour mark, which shifted the momentum firmly in Villa’s favor.
Watkins, in particular, was a game-changer, using his speed and direct approach to disrupt a Chelsea defense that had been in control.
He was sharp, benefiting from a bit of luck to score the equalizer, and then demonstrated his aerial strength with an unstoppable header that beat the previously resolute Sanchez.
This goal came during a period of intense pressure from Villa as Chelsea faltered and Emery’s team gained confidence.
Villa remains close behind leaders Arsenal and Manchester City, with a match at the Emirates Stadium approaching in three days.
They will head to north London with increasing confidence that they can continue to challenge the established teams at the top of the Premier League.
