Unai Emery’s second-half modifications proved impressed.
Ollie Watkins labelled Unai Emery a “tactical genius” after Aston Villa came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 and lengthen their profitable streak to 11 video games in all competitions.
Villa had been second finest for lengthy intervals at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and fell behind when Reece James’ inswinging nook was diverted dwelling by Joao Pedro.
The guests had failed to put a glove on Chelsea within the first half, and the Blues’ continued strain prompted Emery right into a triple substitution simply shy of the hour mark.
Watkins, Jadon Sancho and Amadou Onana had been thrown on instead of Emi Buendia, John McGinn and Donyell Malen.
The modifications paid large dividends, with Watkins levelling issues after latching on to a superb move from Morgan Rogers, earlier than then settling the competition six minutes from the top of regular time with an outstanding header from Youri Tielemans’ nook.
Aston Villa hero Watkins hails ‘tactical genius’ of Emery
It means Villa are simply three points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal going into Tuesday’s assembly with the Gunners at Emirates Stadium. Villa received the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier this month.
“Wonderful, wonderful win,” Watkins mentioned.
“Clearly, for me personally, to return on and rating two targets is a superb feeling.
“However to maintain up this run and to return away right here and beat Chelsea at a tricky place is wonderful – it’s the phrase to sum it up, actually.”
Explaining Emery’s modifications, Watkins added: “He modified it as a result of Chelsea had been going man for man, however they’d the additional centre-back once we had been going lengthy.
“So, after I got here on within the second half, he introduced Sancho on the wing and Morgan, and I believe it gave us a little bit bit more room.
“After which put Youri within the No.10, so we had an additional physique up there.
“Tactical genius, I might say.”
