Ollie Watkins came off the bench to keep Aston Villa’s unlikely Premier League title push alive, scoring twice in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The England striker, who had managed just three goals all season, was unleashed by Unai Emery and struck twice in the second half to turn the match on its head.
An 11th straight league win lifts third-placed Villa to within three points of leaders Arsenal, whom they face on Tuesday in a potentially pivotal clash.
Chelsea’s season, by contrast, continues to stall. Less than a month ago they were Arsenal’s nearest challengers, but one win from their last six league matches has seen them slide to fifth.
The hosts were left frustrated after failing to capitalise on a dominant first half, despite going into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Cole Palmer fired wide early on, while Enzo Fernández saw a curling effort drift inches past the far post. Moisés Caicedo and Palmer later had shots blocked as Chelsea controlled possession before finally breaking through in the 37th minute.
Reece James’ inswinging corner glanced off João Pedro’s leg, wrong-footing Emi Martínez as the Villa goalkeeper struggled to react. It was the former Brighton forward’s second goal in as many games, following his strike in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle.
That comeback had eased pressure on Enzo Maresca after a difficult run, amid speculation linking him with Manchester City and public complaints about a lack of backing. But against Villa, Chelsea faded badly after the interval.
Emery decisively shifted the momentum with a triple substitution on the hour, introducing Watkins alongside Jadon Sancho and Amadou Onana.
Robert Sánchez raced off his line to deny Boubacar Kamara, but Villa’s equaliser soon followed. Watkins split Chelsea’s centre-backs, saw his initial effort saved, then bundled the rebound in off the post.
Sánchez later thwarted Ian Maatsen at the near post as Villa asserted control. Maresca, serving a touchline ban, attempted to halt the surge by withdrawing Palmer, a decision that clearly displeased the forward.
Villa continued to grow in confidence and sealed the comeback when Watkins rose highest to power home Youri Tielemans’ corner, matching the club’s best winning run since 1914.
Just as importantly, Emery’s side moved 10 points clear of Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification.
AFP
