LONDON: Ollie Watkins came off the bench to keep Aston Villa’s unexpected Premier League title push alive, scoring twice in a 2-1 comeback win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The England striker, who had managed just three league goals this season, was unleashed by Unai Emery after the break and delivered a decisive second-half double. The victory marked Villa’s 11th straight league win, lifting the third-placed Midlands club to within three points of leaders Arsenal, whom they face on Tuesday.
Chelsea, by contrast, continued their slide. Once Arsenal’s closest challengers less than a month ago, the Blues have now won only once in six league matches to drop to fifth.
Despite controlling much of the first half, Chelsea failed to capitalise fully on their dominance. Cole Palmer fired wide early on, while Enzo Fernandez curled an effort just beyond the far post. Persistent pressure eventually paid off in the 37th minute when Reece James’ inswinging corner brushed Joao Pedro’s leg, wrong-footing Emi Martinez for the opener.
However, the momentum shifted after the interval. Emery turned the tide with a triple substitution on the hour, introducing Watkins alongside Jadon Sancho and Amadou Onana. Villa soon found their rhythm and drew level when Watkins squeezed between Chelsea’s centre-backs; although Robert Sanchez saved his initial effort, the rebound ricocheted off the striker and in off the post.
Villa pressed on as Chelsea faded. Sanchez denied Ian Maatsen at the near post, while Maresca — serving a touchline ban — failed to halt the visitors’ surge. Watkins then sealed the win by powering home Youri Tielemans’ corner, matching Villa’s best winning run since 1914.
The result leaves Villa 10 points clear of Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification. – AFP
