Watkins double overturns Chelsea lead

Aston Villa defeated Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge as substitute Ollie Watkins scored twice to overturn Chelsea’s lead, strengthening Villa’s push toward the Premier League summit.

The Guardian

Ollie Watkins’ double off the bench gives Aston Villa comeback victory at Chelsea

Unai Emery had to tear up the plan. Aston Villa had started this game in a compact 4-2-2-2 formation but they were desperate for much of the first hour. Their passing was lethargic, they had no width, they were 1-0 down to a dominant Chelsea and it seemed the story was going to centre on Emery’s decision not to start Ollie Watkins up front. Yet few managers are as effective as Emery when it comes to altering the flow with a few smart tweaks. The Spaniard never stops plotting, never stops hunting for weaknesses in his opponents, and perhaps it was not a surprise when Villa’s tactical mastermind found a way to ensure that the travelling fans were belting out songs about winning the league at full time. Continue reading. . .

Reposts 7 15h

The Guardian

Chelsea 1-2 Aston Villa: Premier League – live

⚽ Updates from the 5. 30pm Premier League kick-off ⚽ Scores | Table | Follow us on Bluesky | Mail Will here The teams are in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge. The Liquidator is blasting out over the sound system. It’s almost time. Everyone ready? Here are the match reports from the 3pm kick-offs, in no particular order: Continue reading. . .

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El Pais

Unai Emery challenges the Premier League

Aston Villa come from behind to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and on Tuesday they visit the league leaders Arsenal.

Reposts 2 14h

The Sidney Morning Herald

Villa substitute's double stuns Chelsea

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins scores two goals as his side claim a 2-1 win over Chelsea.

Reposts 1 14h

The Sidney Morning Herald

Rapid Recap | MW18: Chelsea vs Aston Villa

Catchup with Rapid Recap: Watch the goals and big moments from Aston Villa's visit to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in Premier League Matchweek 18 action.