For 58 minutes the notion of Aston Villa as plausible title challengers was laughable. They were second best at Stamford Bridge, were 1-0 down to an inspired Chelsea and looked destined to rue Unai Emery’s decision not to start Ollie Watkins.
Few managers are more cunning than Emery when it comes to turning a game, though. The Spaniard is never slow to act and his substitutions were key to Villa recording their 11th consecutive win in all competitions. Watkins equalised five minutes after coming on and the celebrations were wild when the striker punished Chelsea’s collapse in the second half with a lethal winning header in the 84th minute.
Morgan Rogers, of course, was the architect. He was key to Villa’s revival and will give Emery’s side hope of continuing their run when they visit Arsenal on Tuesday.
Villa, only three points below Arsenal, had not resembled title challengers during a cagey, occasionally fractious first half. They lined up in a compact 4-2-2-2 formation, with Rogers and Donyell Malen playing as central strikers, but the ploy was ineffective and offered Chelsea an opportunity to seize the initiative from the start.
The hosts did not disappoint. Chelsea were energetic, aggressive and imposing. They played with width and deserved to lead at half-time.
