Ollie Watkins got here off the bench to keep up Aston Villa’s sudden Premier League title problem by scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The England worldwide had scored simply thrice all season previous to being unleashed by Unai Emery for a second-half double.
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An eleventh consecutive victory takes third-placed Villa again inside three factors of leaders Arsenal, who they face subsequent on Tuesday.
Less than a month in the past Chelsea had been Arsenal’s closest challengers, however they’ve gained simply as soon as in six league video games since to slip to fifth.
The Blues had been left to rue not making extra of their first-half dominance regardless of main 1-0 at the break.
Cole Palmer flashed a shot vast early on and Enzo Fernandez’s curling effort dropped inches past the far publish.
The relentless Moises Caicedo and Palmer had additional efforts blocked as Chelsea managed possession and at last broke the impasse on 37 minutes.
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Reece James’ inswinging nook brushed the again of Joao Pedro’s leg with Emi Martinez within the Villa purpose floundering.
It was the previous Brighton ahead’s second purpose in two matches after he netted to finish a comeback from 2-0 down within the 2-2 draw at Newcastle final weekend.
That fightback eased the stress on Enzo Maresca after a shaky run of outcomes, amid hyperlinks to Manchester City as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola and his complaints a couple of lack of help from the membership.
However in opposition to Villa it was the other story as Chelsea pale within the second half and the guests started to thrive.
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Emery turned the tide with a triple substitution as Watkins was launched alongside former Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho and Amadou Onana on the hour mark.
Chelsea stopper Robert Sanchez was off his line shortly to disclaim Boubacar Kamara however quickly afterwards Watkins broke via to degree.
The striker discovered a niche between Chelsea’s centre-backs and though Sanchez saved his shot, the ball ricocheted again off Watkins and in off the publish.
Sanchez thwarted former Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen at the close to publish as Villa took management.
Maresca was banned from the touchline however tried to stem Villa’s momentum with the withdrawal of Palmer, who confirmed his displeasure at being changed.
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Villa, although, grew in power and acquired the winner when Watkins rose highest to energy in Youri Tielemans’ nook to equal their finest run since 1914.
Crucially Emery’s males additionally transfer 10 factors away from Chelsea within the battle for a spot in subsequent season’s Champions League.
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