Premier League – Watkins scores twice as Chelsea lose 1-2 to Aston Villa

In another match of the 18th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Chelsea, playing at Stamford Bridge, took the lead with a goal from João Pedro, but conceded two goals in the second half and ultimately lost 1-2 to Aston Villa.

Two minutes into the game, Chelsea created an attacking opportunity, with Palmer receiving the ball and firing a shot from inside the box, but the ball went wide of the post. In the 18th minute, Garnacho passed the ball back from inside the box, and Enzo received it but curled a shot wide.

In the 34th minute, Pedro Neto delivered a diagonal pass into the penalty area, and João Pedro took a shot, but the ball was saved by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. In the 37th minute, Reece James took a corner kick, and the ball deflected off João Pedro's leg and into the net, giving Chelsea a 1-0 lead.

In the 42nd minute, Chelsea launched an attack, and Palmer met the ball and shot, but it was saved by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

At the start of the second half, Ganacho's lobbed pass from the right wing was cleared. Pedro Neto then complained that Ian Mattson had touched the ball with his hand, but after VAR intervention, the referee ruled that there was no foul.

In the 61st minute, Aston Villa attempted a counter-attack. Kamara received a through ball from his teammate and entered the penalty area, but his shot was saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. In the 63rd minute, Morgan Rodgers passed the ball to Watkins, who followed up and shot from inside the penalty area, but the ball was deflected by Robert Sanchez, hit Watkins, and then flew into the net, leveling the score at 1-1 for Aston Villa.

In the 72nd minute, Aston Villa won a free kick. Morgan Rodgers took the free kick but his shot went over the post. In the 84th minute, Tielemans took a corner kick, and Watkins rose up and headed the ball into the net, giving Aston Villa a 2-1 lead.

In the second half stoppage time, McGinn took a free kick and shot directly, but it was saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Ultimately, Chelsea lost 1-2 to Aston Villa at home. After losing three points, Chelsea now sits in 5th place with 29 points, while Aston Villa, on an 8-game winning streak, is in 3rd place with 39 points, 3 points behind league leaders Arsenal.