Watkins boosts Villas unbeaten run with brace against Chelsea

Ollie Watkins substituted into the game to keep Aston Villas surprising Premier League title push alive by netting a brace in their 2-1 victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The England forward had only managed three goals throughout the season before Unai Emery brought him on to score twice after the interval.

This marks Villas eleventh straight win, placing the third positioned side just three points behind top spot holders Arsenal, whom they meet next on Tuesday.

A mere month earlier, Chelsea posed the main threat to Arsenal, yet they have secured only one league triumph in their last six outings, dropping to fifth place.

The London club regretted failing to capitalise on their superior first half performance, even though they held a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Cole Palmer sent an early effort wide, while Enzo Fernandezs curling strike narrowly missed the far post by inches.

The tireless Moises Caicedo and Palmer saw additional attempts repelled as Chelsea dominated the ball and eventually took the lead in the 37th minute.

Reece James inswinging corner deflected off Joao Pedros leg, catching Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez off guard.

This was the ex-Brighton strikers second goal across two games, following his effort that salvaged a draw from 2-0 down in the 2-2 result versus Newcastle the previous weekend.

That resilience reduced scrutiny on Enzo Maresca amid a poor sequence of results, alongside speculation about replacing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and his grievances over insufficient backing from the club.

Yet versus Villa, the narrative flipped as Chelsea weakened post break while the away team gained momentum.

Emery shifted the dynamic with three changes, introducing Watkins with ex-Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho and Amadou Onana around the 60th minute.

Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez rushed out to stop Boubacar Kamara, but shortly after, Watkins equalised by exploiting space between the central defenders, his shot saved yet rebounding off him into the post.

Sanchez then blocked former Chelsea full back Ian Maatsen close range as Villa seized command.

Maresca, sidelined by a ban, attempted to halt Villas surge by pulling Palmer, who visibly objected to his exit.

Nevertheless, Villa intensified their efforts and clinched the decisive goal as Watkins headed powerfully from Youri Tielemans corner, matching their longest streak since 1914.

Importantly, Emerys squad now leads Chelsea by 10 points in the race for Champions League qualification next term.