Chelsea came from 2-1 behind to record a 4-2 victory over Watford in Saturday afternoon's pulsating Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Pedro had sent Chelsea into an early lead on home soil, but Watford scored either side of the half-time break through Abdoulaye Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra to lead at Stamford Bridge.
Michy Batshuayi then got his name on the scoresheet 19 minutes from time to level the scores, before Cesar Azpilicueta netted for Chelsea in the 87th minute. The champions were not finished, however, and added a fourth in the fifth minute of stoppage time through Batshuayi as they returned to winning ways in the Premier League.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's live coverage of the action below.
Morning all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from Stamford Bridge as the champions Chelsea welcome high-flying Watford. Chelsea have lost their last two in the leaue to drop into fifth position in the table, but Watford have won three of their last five in England's top flight to sit fourth at the start of play. Stay tuned for what should be a cracking game of football!
Watford might enter this match above Chelsea in the Premier League table, but the Hornets have not beaten the Blues in England's top flight since September 1999. What's more, Watford have not won away to Chelsea in the league since May 1986, which is an indication of their task this afternoon.
Chelsea won both league matches last season, meanwhile, following a 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road early in the campaign with a 4-3 success at Stamford Bridge in May, where Cesc Fabregas grabbed a late winner. That was a brilliant game, and something similar this afternoon would be good!
© SilverHub
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Stamford Bridge. Watford have had a free week to prepare for this match, but Chelsea were in Champions League action against Roma on Wednesday night. Any changes? Let's run through the two teams...
TEAMS!
CHELSEA: Courtois; Rudiger, Luiz, Cahill; Azpilicueta, Bakayoko, Fabregas, Alonso; Pedro, Morata, Hazard
WATFORD: Gomes; Mariappa, Kabasele, Britos; Femenia, Cleverley, Doucoure, Holebas; Pereyra, Deeney, Richarlison
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has made two changes to the team that started against Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with Antonio Rudiger and Pedro coming in for Andreas Christensen and Davide Zappacosta. Cesar Azpilicueta will move into a wing-back position as David Luiz is fit to start, but Victor Moses remains on the sidelines alongside midfield engine N'Golo Kante.
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As for Watford, head coach Marco Silva has made just the one change from the team that beat Arsenal last weekend, and that comes in attack as club captain Troy Deeney replaces Andre Gray. Watford will switch to a back three this afternoon to match up to Chelsea's 3-4-3 formation.
So there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff in London. I shall speak about Watford and their brilliant start to the season a little bit later, but let's start with Chelsea, who will enter this match off the back of a three-game winless run in all competitions.
Ready. #CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/uIbhdK6mjc — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 21, 2017
Chelsea started their 2017-18 Premier League campaign with a 3-2 defeat at home to Burnley, before bouncing back with three straight victories over Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Leicester City. The Blues then drew at home to Arsenal, before putting four unanswered goals past Stoke City on September 23. At that point, Antonio Conte's side were flying up the table.
However, a 1-0 home defeat to Man City on September 30 stunted their progress, before suffering a shock 2-1 defeat at basement side Crystal Palace last weekend. That result has left Chelsea in fifth position in the Premier League table – nine points behind the league leaders Man City after eight matches.
Chelsea will enter this afternoon's match off the back of a 3-3 draw with Italian side Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The London club are still sitting pretty in their group, but a run of three games without a win in all competitions has led to a slight dip in confidence, which defender Cesar Azpilicueta confirmed when speaking after the Roma match.
The lads are out for their pre-match warm up... 💪 #CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/by8lGalLg2 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 21, 2017
In terms of what is ahead for the Blues, they will welcome a struggling Everton team in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, before travelling to Bournemouth in the Premier League next weekend. They will then visit Roma in the Champions League, before the small matter of a home game against Manchester United in the Premier League on November 5. Some testing fixtures ahead.
As for Watford, a brilliant start to the 2017-18 campaign has seen the Hornets collect 15 points from eight matches, which has left them in fourth position in the table - two points ahead of Chelsea. They have recorded four wins, three draws and just one defeat thus far, and it would be fair to say that new head coach Marco Silva has brought a new air of confidence to the team.
Only Tottenham, Manchester United and Man City have scored more Premier League goals than Watford (13) this season. They opened their 2017-18 campaign with a 3-3 draw at home to Liverpool, before beating Bournemouth and drawing with Brighton & Hove Albion in their next two fixtures.
💬 | Marco Silva explains his decision to start with @T_Deeney rather than @AndreGray7 in #watfordfc's attack this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/Dwr67QCBkb — Watford FC (@WatfordFC) October 21, 2017
Silva's side then won 2-0 at Southampton, before suffering their first defeat of the season – a 6-0 thumping at home to Man City. They have bounced back from that disappointing result in impressive fashion, however, by beating Swansea, drawing with West Bromwich Albion and beating Arsenal in their last three in the Premier League. The Hornets trailed to a first-half Per Mertesacker goal against Arsenal last weekend, but turned things around in the second period to collect all three points.
One again there will be eyes on Watford's 20-year-old forward Richarlison this afternoon, with the Brazilian scoring three times and providing one assist in eight Premier League appearances following a summer move from Fluminense. Can the attacker harm Chelsea at Stamford Bridge? Right, the time for talking is almost over. It is Chelsea vs. Watford, and kickoff is next!
KICKOFF! Chelsea kick things off at Stamford Bridge...
... it is not exactly a crisis at Chelsea, but another loss this afternoon would lead to more pressure on head coach Antonio Conte. You can sense the tension inside Stamford Bridge this afternoon, but there is a good atmosphere. Richarlison makes an early run into the Chelsea box, but Rudiger clears.
Kabasele makes a wonderful challenge to deny Morata inside the Chelsea box, but the offside flag had been raised. It has been a very bright opening couple of minutes from both teams here.
Watford are knocking the ball around with pace and purpose in these early moments. They are absolutely bursting with confidence as Rudiger has to stretch to clear a cross from Pereyra.
Watford are all over Chelsea like a rash at the moment as Cleverley delivers deep into the home side's box, but the referee blows for a free kick. The home side look nervy early on here.
Rudiger has been Chelsea's most involved player in the opening seven minutes as the summer signing is across to challenge Richarlison once again. That is developing into a good battle.
Awkward moment for the away side as Fabregas delivers into the penalty box, but Gomes manages to gather after a touch off Kabasele's head. Morata was close to making contract there.
End-to-end football in the last few minutes as both teams commit players in the final third of the field. Hazard attempts to find Morata inside the Watford box, but Cleverley makes a vital challenge. The visitors are also pushing men forward, however, with Richarlison full of running down the left.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Watford (Pedro)
Chelsea make the breakthrough in the 12th minute as Pedro curls a wonderful effort into the back of the net. The Spaniard's effort hit the inside of the post before landing into the Watford goal!
Watford need to be very careful that they do not concede a second as Chelsea continue to press players forward. The away side have a right to feel aggrieved with the Chelsea goal, however, as the home side were awarded a corner directly before, which should have been a Watford goal kick.
CHANCE! Massive chance for the home side as Morata squeezes the ball through to Fabregas, but the midfielder tries to chip Gomes, who makes the save.
Good pressure from Watford in the last couple of minutes as they keep the ball in and around the Chelsea box, but eventually Holebas delivers wide of the far post. Still 1-0 to the home side.
BOOKING! Holebas (Watford) is booked for dissent.
BOOKING! Mariappa (Watford) is booked for a poor tackle on Hazard.
You do get the feeling that the next goal this afternoon - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Watford are still committing plenty of players forward, and they need to be really careful here.
IMAGE! Watford are not too pleased with the referee after that Pedro goal...
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BOOKING! Rudiger (Chelsea) is booked for a foul on Richarlison.
Pedro swings one wide of the post from just outside the Watford box.
Good possession for Watford in the last couple of minutes as they pass and probe inside Chelsea's half of the field. That said, Courtois has not really been tested in the opening 26 minutes of this one.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, and Chelsea still lead 1-0 courtesy of that super strike from Pedro. The home side are the team on the front foot, but Watford are having plenty of good moments. I had hoped for a good game this afternoon, and it has been a great game thus far.
Holebas delivers a dangerous cross into the Watford box, but Cahill does well to make the clearance. Chelsea then break down the other end, but eventually the attack comes to an end. You do get the feeling that the next goal this afternoon - if there indeed is one - could be vital.
Gomes keeps out a strike from Luiz, who had found space outside the Watford box.
Watford have a free kick in a dangerous area as Pedro fells Richarlison...
... SAVE! Courtois is across to keep out Cleverley's free kick!
There have already been three yellow cards this afternoon, and it must be said that there has been some tasty challenges going in! Watford might be behind, but they really fancy it here.
Courtois makes a routine save to keep out Richarlison's low strike.
Deeney needs to do a better job of holding the ball for Watford as Chelsea manage to clear their lines once again. It must be said that the opening 35 minutes of this football match have flown past.
Chelsea might be winning here, but there is a sense of nervousness in the crowd, with the home supporters not exactly delighted with what they have seen thus far this afternoon. Hazard has actually been really quiet, while Morata has struggled to win a number of aerial battles here.
For all of Watford's bright work in this first period, they have not really tested Courtois on too many occasions. Stamford Bridge is almost silent in the latter stages of the first 45 minutes.
SAVE! Gomes has to push a Fabregas effort wide of the post.
Luiz volleys the resulting corner over the crossbar for a Watford free kick.
IMAGE! Pedro's goal is the difference between the two teams at the moment...
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I should not think that there will be too much added time at the end of the first period.
Two additional minutes have been signalled. Not sure where those two came from mind.
Chelsea manage to scramble a dangerous Watford free kick clear of their box!
GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Watford (Doucoure)
Wow! Watford level in first-half stoppage time as Doucoure smashes into the back of the net on the half-volley! Chelsea could not clear a long throw, and the midfielder beat Courtois at his near post!
HALF-TIME: Chelsea 1-1 Watford
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 1-1. Pedro's brilliant effort had seen Chelsea lead for long spells, but Watford equalised in the dying moments of the first half. It has been a nervy performance from Chelsea, that is for sure!
STATISTICS! Both teams shared the possession in the first period, while Chelsea had eight attempts to Watford's six. The home side managed five shots on target, while Watford had three on the home side's goal. A lively first 45 minutes also produced three yellows - Holebas, Mariappa and Rudiger.
BENCH WATCH! Watford have not been shy in attacking this afternoon, but Silva does have plenty of options on his bench here, with Capoue, Carrillo and Gray all available. Chelsea boss Conte, meanwhile, has the likes of Batshuayi, Willian, Musonda and Zappacosta in reserve at the Bridge.
RESTART! Watford resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops at Stamford Bridge.
Good grief. Great defending from Mariappa as the Watford centre-back stretches to clear a cross from Fabregas, which looked to be finding Morata. Mariappa did so well to clear over the crossbar.
Half-chance for the away side as Kiko delivers low towards Deeney, but the striker cannot make proper contact. Pedro then hits one from distance down the other end, but his effort is wide.
CHANCE! Oh my word! What a miss! Stunning chance for Watford to take the lead as Kiko puts one on a plate for Richarlison, but he somehow misses an open goal at the far post!
GOAL! Chelsea 1-2 Watford (Pereyra)
Watford take the lead in the 49th minute as Richarlison sets up Pereyra, who slides into the back of the net from inside the Chelsea box. What a start to the second period here!
Richarlison missed an incredible chance for Watford at the far post, but then assisted Pereyra for the away side's second of the match. Chelsea are all over the place at the back here.
CHANCE! Another chance for Watford as Richarlison meets a super cross from Britos, but the Brazilian heads wide! That really should have been 3-1 to the away side here!
Still a lot of football to be played this afternoon, but Chelsea are all over the place at the back. Conte looks dumbfounded on the touchline as the team in red continue to flood men forward.
BOOKING! Morata (Chelsea) is booked for a foul on Doucoure.
Little over 30 minutes of football remaining, and surely Conte will be considering a change at this stage of the match. Watford are still looking for more goals - this team under Silva are brilliant.
Slightly better from Chelsea in the last couple of minutes, but they are struggling to create chances. Watford are not interested in sitting back as they continue to commit players forward. It must be said that this has been a wonderful game of football, and we are only just past the hour mark.
CHELSEA SUB! Batshuayi replaces Morata for the home team.
Fabregas is on hand with some good defensive work as Watford threaten in a wide area once again. Still no movement on the Watford bench, but the likes of Gray and Carrillo are both available.
Pereyra looks to have a problem for Watford after a challenge with Fabregas. Stop in play here...
... Pereyra limps off the field. Might well have to be replaced here.
WATFORD SUB! Carrillo replaces the injured Pereyra for the away team.
Chelsea's defending in this second period has been appalling. Watford continue to threaten with high balls into the box, but Deeney is actually struggling to make his mark for the visitors.
Carrillo delivers low into Richarlison, but Chelsea just about manage to clear behind.
CHELSEA SUB! Willian replaces Alonso for the home side.
Stamford Bridge is almost silent as we enter the final 20 minutes of this key game.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-2 Watford (Batshuayi)
Chelsea level the scores in the 72nd minute as Batshuayi rises to head a Pedro cross past Gomes!
Half-chance for Watford as Kabasele meets a cross from Kiko, but his header is at Courtois. Chelsea then break down the other end with Pedro, but his effort is wide of the post.
You just get the feeling that there is a fifth goal in this match. Stay tuned for the finish!
Oh my word. Almost a terrible moment for Gomes as the Watford goalkeeper seems to run past the ball before having to chase back, but the flag did go up for Batshuayi. Still 2-2 in London.
BOOKING! Kiko (Watford) is booked for dissent.
Batshuayi misses the post from distance as Chelsea come close once again.
WATFORD SUB! Watson replaces Deeney for the away side.
CLOSE! Batshuayi just misses the crossbar with another strike!
You just get the feeling that there is going to be a late sting in the tail here as both teams continue to commit players in the final third. Watford are not sitting deep and looking for a point here.
CHANCE! Kabasele has another headed chance from a Kiko cross, but the centre-back cannot make contact. My word Watford have missed some opportunities here.
CHELSEA SUB! Zappacosta replaces Pedro for the home side.
Zappacosta delivers into the Watford box, but Batshuayi just cannot make contact.
GOAL! Chelsea 3-2 Watford (Azpilicueta)
Chelsea surely win it in the 87th minute as Azpilicueta heads home at the far post after Willian had delivered a dangerous cross into the box. It is heartbreak for Watford in the capital.
WATFORD SUB! Andre Gray replaces Mariappa as Watford look to hit back.
We are into the first of five additional minutes at the end of this excellent game.
Time is moving away from Watford, who really do not deserve to be on the losing end of this match. The visitors have been excellent for long spells, but have been hit with a late sucker punch here.
Time is almost up here as we enter the final seconds. Chelsea have done enough.
GOAL! Chelsea 4-2 Watford (Batshuayi)
Chelsea have their fifth following a terrible mistake from Britos, who loses the ball in a dangerous area. Batshuayi breaks into the box, and finishes past Gomes for 4-2 Chelsea!
FULL-TIME: Chelsea 4-2 Watford
So there we have it. Chelsea come from 2-1 behind to beat Watford 4-2 after an excellent 90 minutes of football at Stamford Bridge. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. Until next time!
