Chelsea solidified their place in the Premier League top-four with an emphatic 3-0 win over unlucky Watford on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
It was a pulsating start from Watford at first. Their high pressing in midfield made it difficult for the Chelsea players to get a grip during the early stages of the game. They also created chances going forward, with Troy Deeney notably connecting a header that was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea came out all guns blazing in the second half, however. Goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and David Luiz shortly after the restart shifted the tie in their favour before Gonzalo Higuain’s nicely improvised chip sealed all three points for the home side.
Kepa Arrizabalaga 7
Didn’t have anything much to do aside from making an extraordinary save to deny Deeney’s well-placed header in the first half.
Cesar Azpilicueta 7.5
Had trouble or two dealing with the enigmatic Deulofeu but a solid second-half display helped Chelsea keep Watford at bay.
Andreas Christensen 7.5
Failed to keep a check on the likes of Deulofeu and Deeney in the first-half. Offered decent defensive support to David Luiz afterwards.
David Luiz 8
Struggled to cope with Deeney’s aerial prowess. But, the Brazilian international produced a couple of good balls forward and was deeply involved in the build-up. A thumping header to make it 2-0 in the second half.
Marcos Alonso 7.5
A much better performance from Marcos Alonso, who was wary of his defensive duties this afternoon. The Spaniard also offered necessary support going forward.
N’Golo Kante N/A
Unlucky to suffer an early hamstring injury that forced him off to the sidelines. He was replaced by Loftus-Cheek.
Jorginho 8
Soldiered on with a battle scar, providing a host of neat balls going forward. He also showcased his ability to read the game, notably making a couple of good interceptions. A comprehensive performance from the Italian.
Mateo Kovacic 6.5
An uneasy game for Kovacic, who was pressurised by the Watford midfielders throughout the first-half. Also struggled to distribute the ball after the restart but his clever flicks were always a delight to watch.
Pedro 8.5
Pedro was arguably the most active Chelsea attacker in the first half. And the Spaniard continued that momentum in the second half, amassing a host of shots on goal as well as providing the assist for the third goal.
Gonzalo Higuain 7.5
Showed what he could do if he is given proper service by producing an excellent lobbed finish to score the third goal. Had a quiet game, otherwise.
Eden Hazard 9.5
After a slow start to the game, Hazard gradually grew into the game. He turned out to be a scourge for the Watford defenders in the second-half, producing two lovely assists.
Substitutes
Ruben Loftus-Cheek 8.5
Had a terrible time after replacing Kante in the 10th minute. But, his physical prowess became the telling factor in Chelsea’s dominance in the second half. He muscled Nathaniel Chalobah to score the all-important opener in the 48th minute.
Olivier Giroud N/A
Missed an absolute sitter after coming on for Higuain in the 79th minute.
Gary Cahill N/A
Waved goodbye to the supporters in what could be his last match at the Stamford Bridge as a Chelsea player.
