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.
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Ollie Watkins strikes again to complete the turnaround for Aston Villa at Chelsea
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Substitute Ollie Watkins levels for Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
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.
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Joao Pedro nudges Chelsea in front against Aston Villa
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.
'One of the great impact subs in Premier League history'
Aston Villa were transformed by a triple substitution on 59 minutes
Image: Aston Villa were transformed by a triple substitution on 59 minutes
Chelsea had 71 per cent possession in the first half and registered 1.93 in Expected Goals. Villa didn't manage a single shot.
The game looked to be going a similar way after the break, with Ian Maatsen surviving handball shouts from Chelsea players wanting a penalty when Alejandro Garnacho's cross hit him. VAR deemed his arm to be in a natural position. There was a crucial piece of defending from John McGinn, too, preventing Garnacho from capping a swift counter.
But when Emery brought on Watkins, Jadon Sancho and Amadou Onana, Villa's intensity and attacking thrust was transformed, particularly with Watkins running in behind the Chelsea defence. Villa could have added a second to Watkins' equaliser sooner, with Sanchez sharp to deny Maatsen and the England man.
But there was no denying Watkins' brilliant header. "That was one of the great impacts from a sub in Premier League history," said Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp afterwards. "[Watkins] changed the complexion of the match completely. He was absolutely incredible."
Story of the match in stats...
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