Ollie Watkins came off the bench to help Aston Villa complete a comeback victory over Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, equalling a club record of 11 consecutive wins in the process.
The visitors were second best in the first half, trailing to a Joao Pedro goal at the break. However, the introduction of Watkins sparked Villa into life in attack, and he equalised shortly before the hour mark. Several chances followed for the revitalised Villans before Watkins buried a header from Youri Tielemans’ corner with seven minutes remaining, sending the travelling supporters into celebration.
The result equalled the club’s record for consecutive victories, first set in 1897 and matched again in 1914. It keeps Unai Emery’s side just three points off the top of the table ahead of a clash with leaders Arsenal on Tuesday.
The win moved third-placed Villa back within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, whom they face next in a crucial encounter at the Emirates Stadium, while Chelsea slipped to three points outside the top four.
After the match, Villa manager Unai Emery said, “We kept the same game plan as in the first half, but they were playing fantastically and dominating. We couldn’t get the ball easily. We were defending deep, but we defended well. They had only one corner and they scored. We needed to stay passionate and resilient, and that was the message in the dressing room at half-time.”
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca said, “I think for one hour, until we conceded, we dominated the game. We were very good. Unfortunately, after that, the dynamic of the game changed a little. By the time they scored to make it 1-1, we should have scored two or three more.”
(IANS)
