By Peter Smith, SkySports Senior Football Journalist.
Super-sub Ollie Watkins struck twice as Aston Villa pulled off an incredible turnaround to beat Chelsea 2-1 as they boosted their title bid with a club-record equalling 11th win in a row.
Make no mistake, Unai Emery’s Villa are in the Premier League title race, three points off the summit – and they go to Arsenal on Tuesday with the opportunity to pull level with the league leaders.
They sure didn’t look like champion contenders for the first hour at Stamford Bridge, pummelled onto the ropes by a Chelsea side who led through Joao Pedro’s touch from a Reece James corner.
But a masterful Emery triple change shifted the narrative, a Benoit Badiashile error allowed Watkins to force in an equaliser and then the striker soared to head in Youri Tielemans’ corner in the 84th minute to spark wild celebrations from the visiting supporters and dugout.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, suspended and sat at the back of the press box, looked crushed. Villa have won more points from losing positions than any side – but Maresca’s young team should never have let them back into this contest.
There was brilliance from Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez to keep out Joao Pedro and a mis-hit cross from James but also wasteful finishes from Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea squandered complete control of the match.
Villa’s title bid is alive – Chelsea’s top-four hopes hit. They stay fifth, a massive 13 points off the top of the table.
Premier League Results
Fulham 1-0 West Ham United
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves
Everton 0-0 Burnley
Notting Forest 1-2 Man City
Brentford 4-1 Bournemouth.