Watkins Double at Stamford Bridge Extends Aston Villa’s Remarkable Winning Run

Ollie Watkins came off the bench to score twice as Aston Villa produced a stunning second-half turnaround to defeat Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge, securing an 11th consecutive victory in all competitions and maintaining their Premier League title momentum.

At half-time, Unai Emery’s side appeared in danger of slipping out of the title conversation. João Pedro’s close-range finish from a Reece James corner had given Chelsea a deserved lead, with Villa comprehensively outplayed during a dominant opening 45 minutes from the hosts.

Villa struggled badly before the break, pinned deep by Chelsea’s aggressive pressing and rarely able to progress out of their own half. The visitors bore little resemblance to a side chasing an 11th straight win as Chelsea dictated the tempo throughout the opening period.

Chelsea Dominate First Half

Chelsea began at pace and could have gone ahead inside four minutes when Cole Palmer brought the ball down brilliantly before lifting his effort narrowly wide. The England international was again involved moments later, driving forward and teeing up Enzo Fernández, whose curling strike drifted past the post.

Pedro was denied from close range by Emiliano Martínez after meeting Pedro Neto’s delivery, while the striker later appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after going down under a challenge from Victor Lindelöf.

The breakthrough eventually arrived from a corner, albeit with a slice of fortune. James’ inswinging delivery caused confusion inside the six-yard box, and Pedro reacted quickest to divert the ball over the line as Chelsea took a deserved lead.

Emery’s Changes Transform the Contest

Villa survived an early scare after the interval when Ian Maatsen appeared to handle a cross drifting towards Neto at the far post, before John McGinn produced a superb sliding interception to deny Alejandro Garnacho following a swift Chelsea counter-attack.

Martínez was then required to produce a magnificent one-handed save to prevent James from scoring with an audacious chip.

Recognising the need for change, Emery rolled the dice on the hour mark, introducing Watkins, Jadon Sancho and Amadou Onana. The impact was immediate. Watkins slipped a pass through for Boubacar Kamara, whose effort was smothered by Robert Sánchez, signalling a shift in momentum.

Moments later, Villa were level. Morgan Rogers’ perfectly weighted through ball released Watkins, who held off Trevoh Chalobah before seeing his shot blocked by Sánchez. Fortune favoured the striker as the rebound struck him and rolled into the net.

Watkins Seals the Comeback

Villa suddenly found themselves on the front foot. Maatsen tested Sánchez at the near post, while Watkins forced another sharp save as Chelsea began to wobble.

With seven minutes remaining, the comeback was completed. Watkins rose highest to glance home Youri Tielemans’ header, sparking jubilant celebrations among the travelling supporters in the Shed End and sealing a famous victory.

While a draw might have reflected the balance of the contest overall, Villa’s second-half ruthlessness once again proved decisive. The win keeps Emery’s side within three points of league leaders Arsenal and underlines their growing credentials as genuine title contenders.