Ollie Watkins came off the bench to maintain Aston Villa’s unexpected Premier League title challenge by scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Watkins had scored just three times all season prior to being unleashed by Unai Emery for a second-half double.
An 11th consecutive victory takes third-placed Villa back within three points of leaders Arsenal, who they face next on Tuesday.
Less than a month ago Chelsea were Arsenal’s closest challengers, but they have won just once in six league games since to slide to fifth.
The Blues were left to rue not making more of their first-half dominance despite leading 1-0 at the break.
EPL: Arsenal beat Brighton to regain lead as Wirtz breaks Liverpool duck
Emery turned the tide with a triple substitution as Watkins was introduced alongside former Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho and Amadou Onana on the hour mark.
Chelsea stopper Robert Sanchez was off his line quickly to deny Boubacar Kamara but soon afterwards Watkins broke through to level.
The striker found a gap between Chelsea’s centre-backs and although Sanchez saved his shot, the ball ricocheted back off Watkins and in off the post.
Sanchez thwarted former Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen at the near post as Villa took control.
Villa grew in strength and got the winner when Watkins rose highest to power in Youri Tielemans’ corner to equal their best run since 1914.
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