Ollie Watkins scored a second-half brace as Unai Emery's Aston Villa overturned a 1-0 deficit to defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on December 27, 2025, equaling the club's record of 11 straight victories last achieved in 1914. The win lifts Villa to third place with 39 points, three behind leaders Arsenal, capping a stunning turnaround from a winless start to the season.
Chelsea took the lead in the 36th minute of the first half when João Pedro deflected Reece James's inswinging corner past Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, despite Villa claims of obstruction dismissed by VAR. Chelsea dominated possession (57% to Villa's 43%) and edges in shots (15 on target to 13), creating chances through Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández, but trailed at halftime.
Unai Emery sparked a turnaround with a triple substitution around the hour mark, introducing Watkins, Jadon Sancho, and Amadou Onana for Emiliano Buendía, John McGinn, and Donyell Malen. Four minutes later, Morgan Rogers fed Watkins for a low shot past Robert Sánchez to equalize. Villa gained control, with Ian Maatsen and Rogers threatening, before Watkins headed home Youri Tielemans's corner in the 83rd minute for the decisive goal.
Chelsea picked up five yellow cards, including Fernández in the 93rd minute, while Villa had three; Boubacar Kamara and Matty Cash will miss Villa's next game against Arsenal on December 30 due to bookings. Chelsea host Bournemouth the same day.
The victory marks Villa's eighth straight Premier League win, extending an 11-game streak (including three Europa League triumphs) and tying a mark untouched since 1914. From three points in their first five league games (18th place), Villa now sit third, 10 points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea.
"Amazing win... to come on and score two goals is a great feeling," Watkins said, crediting Emery's "tactical genius." Emery tempered expectations: "We are third behind Arsenal and Manchester City. Wow." Pundits agreed: Wayne Rooney praised Watkins's sharpness, Alan Shearer hailed Emery's management, positioning Villa as genuine contenders.
Villa have won three of the last five meetings with Chelsea.
