Watkins hails ‘tactical genius’ Emery

Ollie Watkins labelled Unai Emery a “tactical genius” after Aston Villa came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 and extend their winning streak to 11 games in all competitions.

Villa were second best for long periods at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and fell behind when Reece James’ inswinging corner was diverted home by Joao Pedro.

The visitors had failed to lay a glove on Chelsea in the first half, and the Blues’ continued pressure prompted Emery into a triple substitution just shy of the hour mark.

Watkins, Jadon Sancho and Amadou Onana were thrown on in place of Emi Buendia, John McGinn and Donyell Malen.

The changes paid huge dividends, with Watkins levelling matters after latching on to an excellent pass from Morgan Rogers, before then settling the contest six minutes from the end of normal time with a superb header from Youri Tielemans’ corner.

Aston Villa hero Watkins hails ‘tactical genius’ of Emery

It means Villa are just three points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal going into Tuesday’s meeting with the Gunners at Emirates Stadium. Villa won the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier this month.

“Amazing, amazing win,” Watkins said.

“Obviously, for me personally, to come on and score two goals is a great feeling.

“But to keep up this run and to come away here and beat Chelsea at a tough place is amazing – it’s the word to sum it up, really.”

Explaining Emery’s changes, Watkins added: “He changed it because Chelsea were going man for man, but they had the extra centre-back when we were going long.

“So, when I came on in the second half, he brought Sancho on the wing and Morgan, and I think it gave us a little bit more space.

“And then put Youri in the No.10, so we had an extra body up there.

“Tactical genius, I would say.”