Chelsea were involved in an exciting win over Watford at Stamford Bridge as the Blues repeatedly let Watford back into an end to end game.
A much changed Blues team took a while to find their feet, but eventually began to put heavy pressure on Watford as the first half wore on. They were rewarded with a goal from a set piece, before Watford took advantage of a defensive mixup almost immediately to level things up.
Soon the Blues were back in the lead however, with Cesar Azpilicueta smashing in a loose ball on the edge of the box from a corner. It was a wildly popular goal around Stamford Bridge. After the break they added a third through Michy Batshuayi, before once again being pegged back by Daryl Janmaat.
Antonio Conte’s men couldn’t make the most of several great chances on the break, and were punished by yet another soft goal.
In the end, the introduction of Cesc Fabregas made the difference, the Spaniard revved up the attack and clipped in the winner a minute from time.
Here are our ratings from today’s featured Chelsea players…
Starting Eleven:
Asmir Begovic – 6 – The first thing he had to do all game was pick the ball out of his net after John Terry’s header back left him stranded as he desperately tried to beat Etienne Capoue to the ball. Let down repeatedly by his defenders after that.
Kurt Zouma – 6 – Caught in no-man’s land for Watford’s second goal and failed to get a touch on the third too. Still doesn’t ever look too comfortable in a back three.
John Terry – 6 – Seemed set for a dream farewell at the Bridge after snaffling up a chance in the six yard box to open the scoring, but was at fault just seconds later as his weak header was headed in by Etienne Capoue.
Nathan Ake – 7 – Looked totally composed on the left of the back three, pushing out to defend the spaces left by Kenedy who was high up for most of the game. Assisted Chelsea’s third goal but was then immediately at fault as the Blues suffered their second limp moment of defending of the three.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7 – Not as threatening in attack as Victor Moses on the right, and not as defensively sound as when he’s on the right of the three, but as always put in a disciplined and intelligent display. smashed in
N’Golo Kante – 7 – Patrolled the midfield in his usual efficient manner, but also contributed some lovely long passes, in the first half in particular. Conceding four will tell you that he wasn’t at his best defensively today.
Nat Chalobah – 6 – Neat and tidy and not at all out of his depth, as always. However didn’t really take over the game in the first half and couldn’t didn’t really take the chance to prove he should be in contention for a regular spot yet.
Kenedy – 7 – Had little defending to do and so was able to push very high up and cause problems with his pace and dribbling. Didn’t get as many chances as the second half wore off.
Willian – 8 – As always slotted into the attack without issues. Threatened with his dribbling and with his passing too, picking Hazard out in the first half with one particular piece of quick thinking.
Michy Batshuayi – 6 – Played his part as a solid pivot for the players around him and got involved in the physical battle with the opposing centre backs. Scored his goal after good work from Ake and hunted desperately for another from then on.
Eden Hazard – 7 – Looked lively from the first minute despite the game’s relative lack of importance. Took up good positions in attack to get at Watford’s vulnerable backline.
