Ollie Watkins has hailed Aston Villa manager Unai Emery as a ‘tactical genius’ following the club’s 2-1 win at Chelsea.
Watkins scored twice as Aston Villa came from behind to win at Chelsea and equal a club-record winning run. The Villans have now won 11 consecutive games in all competitions, matching the all-time club record previously set in 1897 and 1914. The win leaves Villa third in the Premier League table and just three points behind leaders Arsenal.
Following the three points, match-winner Watkins – who came off the bench – praised Emery for his tactical tweaks in the second half.
“He changed it because Chelsea were going man for man, but they had the extra centre-back when we were going long,” Watkins reflected.
“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.”
Watkins’ goals were just the fourth and fifth he has scored in the Premier League this season. He was left out of the England squad last month after a disappointing period of form and the 29-year-old admitted the win was a massive moment from a personal point of view.
“Amazing, amazing win,” he continued.
“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.”
Read – The longest winning runs in Premier League history
See more – Every hat-trick scored in the Premier League this season
