Watkins Double Stuns Chelsea As Villa Extend Historic Winning Run
Ollie Watkins came off the bench to score twice as Aston Villa overturned a first-half deficit and beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, equalling a long-standing club record of 11 consecutive wins.
Aston Villa produced another remarkable comeback to defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, with substitute Ollie Watkins inspiring a dramatic second-half turnaround in a pulsating Premier League clash.
Chelsea were in full control for much of the opening half and deservedly took the lead in the 37th minute. A dangerous inswinging corner from Reece James caused panic in the Villa box, and the ball went in off Joao Pedro after Emiliano Martinez failed to deal with the delivery. The Blues dominated possession and territory, carving out several chances and restricting Villa to minimal attacking threat before the break.
Despite Chelsea’s dominance, Villa emerged with renewed purpose after half-time. Unai Emery’s bold substitutions changed the complexion of the game, with Watkins introduced just before the hour mark. The England striker wasted little time making his presence felt.
Watkins drew Villa level in the 63rd minute after latching onto a pass inside the box, seeing his initial effort saved before the rebound ricocheted off him and into the net. The goal shifted momentum sharply, unsettling Chelsea and lifting Villa’s belief.
As Chelsea pushed to regain control, Villa grew in confidence and punished the hosts again late on. In the 84th minute, Youri Tielemans delivered a pinpoint corner, and Watkins rose unmarked to power a header beyond Robert Sanchez, completing a stunning brace and silencing Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser, but Villa defended resolutely to see out the closing stages. Despite finishing with a significantly higher expected goals tally, the Blues were left empty-handed, undone by Villa’s ruthless efficiency and composure in key moments.
The victory sees Aston Villa equal a historic club record of 11 straight wins and keeps them firmly in the Premier League title conversation, sitting within touching distance of the summit. For Chelsea, the defeat is a major setback as they slip further behind the league’s top three and look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.
