Ollie Watkins scored twice after coming off the bench as Aston Villa overturned a 1-0 deficit to defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, extending their winning streak to 11 games. Unai Emery's tactical substitutions proved decisive in the second half, keeping Villa just three points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. The result highlights Villa's remarkable turnaround this season, from 18th place after five games to third with 39 points after 18.
Aston Villa faced a stern test at Stamford Bridge on December 27, 2025, against a dominant Chelsea side that controlled the first half. Chelsea took the lead in the 37th minute when Reece James's inswinging corner was deflected into the net by Joao Pedro, leaving Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez unable to prevent the goal despite claims of obstruction, which VAR dismissed.
Villa struggled to create chances, with Chelsea creating numerous opportunities through Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and James. However, just before the hour mark, manager Unai Emery made a triple substitution, bringing on Ollie Watkins, Jadon Sancho, and Amadou Onana for Emiliano Buendia, John McGinn, and Donyell Malen. The changes transformed the game.
Within four minutes, Morgan Rogers played a precise pass to Watkins, who fired a low shot under Robert Sanchez to equalize. Villa gained momentum, with Ian Maatsen and Rogers testing Sanchez. In the 83rd minute, Watkins rose to head home Youri Tielemans's corner for the winner, securing a 2-1 victory.
"Amazing, amazing win," Watkins said post-match. "For me personally, to come on and score two goals is a great feeling. But to keep up this run and to come away here and beat Chelsea at a tough place is amazing." He praised Emery's adjustments: "He changed it because Chelsea were going man for man... Tactical genius, I would say."
This triumph equals Villa's club record of 11 successive wins, last set in 1914, and marks eight straight Premier League victories. From winless in their first five league games, Villa now sit third with 39 points, 10 clear of fifth-placed Chelsea. Emery downplayed title talk: "We are competing very well. We are third in the league behind Arsenal and Manchester City. Wow."
Pundits noted the impact: Wayne Rooney highlighted Watkins's sharpness, while Alan Shearer called Villa genuine contenders under Emery's superb management. The win sets up a crucial clash with Arsenal on December 30, where Villa trail by three points. Bookings for Boubacar Kamara and Matty Cash mean they will miss that game.
