Chelsea 1-2 Aston Villa result - Ollie Watkins brace completes comeback to extend Villa's winning streak to 11 games

Ollie Watkins' second-half brace cancelled out Joao Pedro’s first-half opener to seal a dramatic comeback for Aston Villa at Chelsea.

The 2-1 win lifts Unai Emery’s side to within three points of league leaders Arsenal, while Chelsea drop to fifth place and The Blues could drop further with Sunderland in action on Sunday.

Chelsea started in fast fashion and saw a number of efforts go narrowly past Emiliano Martinez’s posts.

Cole Palmer volleyed wide from inside the box after four minutes, while Enzo Fernandez curled his shot past the post after 18 minutes.

The Blues were rewarded for their dominance in the 37th minute as Joao Pedro unknowingly flicked in Reece James’ corner.

John McGinn tried to catch Robert Sanchez out from a free kick - Villa’s first shot - in first-half added time but the Chelsea keeper was smart to it.

Emery rang out the changes early after the break, which included the introduction of Watkins.

Morgan Rogers slipped the striker in-behind and the Englishman bundled the ball past Robert Sanchez to draw Villa level in the 63rd minute.

The goal sparked the visitors into life, who had several efforts denied by the Chelsea keeper.

Chelsea’s resolve was broken in the 84th minute as Watkins rose to head home Youri Tielemans' corner.

Chelsea could not rally to find a response and Villa held on for the comeback win - their 11th successive victory - which sparked mass celebrations at Stamford Bridge.

At half-time, you'd have bet your bottom dollar on Chelsea claiming the three points after a dominant first half display.

However, they lost their control of the game and their discipline at the same time.

The defeat means Chelsea end the day in fifth and could fall further if Sunderland win tomorrow.

Maresca's side take on Bournemouth at home next on Tuesday which could prove to be another banana skin.

If Chelsea want a place in the Champions League next season they must bounce back from tonight with a win against the Cherries.

Emery's side continue to show their Champions League pedigree as they move three points behind leaders Arsenal and one point behind Man City in second.

They travel to the Emirates next to face the Gunners - which will be another hard test, especially with Cash and Kamara suspended.

Watkins will most likely be in line for a start as his brace inspired his team's comeback this evening.

And that is that! What a turnaround from Aston Villa who extend their winning run to ELEVEN games.

You would never have guessed that at half-time as Chelsea romped to a 1-0 lead but Emery's substitutions were inspired and they were the difference in this one.

Maresca's changes made his side worse and he will be frustrated that his side have left this one with nothing.

More questions for the Chelsea boss you'd imagine.

The Chelsea man booked for dissent. Another poor showing of discipline from the Blues.

Chelsea's attacks are proving to be in vain at this stage. Villa are firmly shutting the door on them, Estevao and Gusto both failing in their quests.

Digne sends the free-kick low to the side where Sanchez is standing and he gets down to parry the effort. He has kept his side in this game.

Sanchez carries the ball to the edge of his box and then slips over, causing him to handball it! Free-kick to Villa right on the edge of the box. 

There will be FIVE minutes of stoppage time. 

Chelsea are in disarray and it only seems like Villa will extend their lead. Tielemans pass is just behind Sancho but the winger gets his shot away which is saved by the Chelsea keeper.

The Blues have been on top for large parts of the game but they never took their chances. They have five minutes plus stoppage time to now rescue something from this. Can they do that?

What a difference he has made! From the resulting corner, Watkins jumps highest to flick home Tielemans' delivery.

The Villa fans are sent into a frenzy. They can't believe what they are seeing after the first half display.

Gusto's mistake allows Watkins to run one-on-one at Badiashile. Just as it seems he has space to get a shot away he delays and has to settle for a corner instead.

Bogarde and Digne take the place of Kamara and Maatsen. Will they have the same impact as Watkins has had for Villa.

He enters the book for a late tackle and will also miss the Arsenal game.

Chelsea started the half brighter but Emery's changes have turned this one on its head. Villa are in with a great chance of extending their win streak to 11th now.

Neto's floated delivery is claimed by the Villa shot-stopper.

Tielemans trips Fernandez, Neto and James stand over the dead ball.

James takes, and fires it into the wall.

The Englishman isn't best pleased with that.

Rogers then takes a free kick for Villa but his effort lands on the roof of the net.

Caicedo enters the book for stopping Tielemans on the counter.

Delap then gets a yellow as well for saying something to the referee. Utter petulance from a man who should've learned his lesson by now.

Watkins gets in behind down the Chelsea left and charges into the box. The ball breaks in his favor and he gets away a low shot which takes a deflection.

Another good stop from Sanchez as Estevao gets readied for the hosts.