Chelsea were handed another thrashing for the second game running as they were humbled by Watford 4-1 as late stunners from the Daryl Janmaat, Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereyra resulted in the undoing of the Premier League champions. The first half was all about the home side, who created a bagful of chances but just took one of them, a penalty dispatched by their captain, Troy Deeney.
Eden Hazard equalised with a beautiful goal to restore parity before Watford finally ran over Conte’s defence for fun. The Blues were too flat in midfield and hence, couldn’t quite find the right penetration. From being the league’s joint tightest defence, they have now conceded seven goals in the last two games.
Chelsea player ratings –
Thibaut Courtois: 5/10
He should not have come out of his lines to close down Deulofeu. He might not have fouled the winger but it was bad decision making on his part.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 4/10
Nowhere close to the Azpilicueta we all know as he failed to mark Troy Deeney and was caught out of position many times. The likes of Deulofeu and Pereyra turned him around with ease.
David Luiz: 2/10
Ugly fouling, first of all. He could have easily got sent off for the frustration. Next, David Luiz was horribly positioned for Janmaat’s strike and his entire body faced the wrong side when Deulofeu turned inside to pile more misery. Deeney outmuscled the Brazilian too.
Gary Cahill: 2/10
Another one who didn’t get into the right spot and ran aimlessly. Most shockingly, Cahill was beaten in the air more than anyone else, something that is just not thought of with respect to the Chelsea skipper.
Victor Moses: 5/10
Added some zip up front with a few dribbles but his final ball was lacking. Defensively, Moses was not to be seen around the mix at times. Pathetic.
N’Golo Kante: 4/10
He certainly is tired. Any given person at Vicarage Road would claim that the Frenchman has run out of steam. He didn’t attack or press any player.
Tiemoue Bakayoko: 0/10
A dreadful, disastrous and unprofessional performance. He was the laziest person on the pitch, showed no intent or drive. The 23-year-old disappointed and made things worse when he got sent off.
Davidé Zappacosta: 6/10
Offered a lot going forward, never gave up and always tried to find an opening. He ran up and down the pitch and was decent in comparison to his teammates.
Pedro: 5/10
Kept the ball close to his feet, dropped into midfield to collect the ball but didn’t provide Eden Hazard with the return pass many a times.
Willian: 5/10
Unfortunately subbed off. Should have, could have, must have finished better when he got his chance.
Eden Hazard: 8/10
Unbelievable desire shown by the Belgian. Others in the team must be inspired from his work rate going forward having known the fact that he has started every game offlate in Morata’s absence. A dazzling goal for his efforts.
Substitutes –
Cesc Fabregas : 5/10
Lacked the creative instinct and didn’t quite come out with defence shredding passes. Poor defending.
Olivier Giroud : 6/10
Got his chance to score but didn’t get at the end of it. He was a real target man though, something that Chelsea has been lacking in recent weeks.