Chelsea v Watford player ratings
Chelsea earned a thrilling 4-3 win over Watford in their penultimate game of the season thanks to a late winner from Cesc Fabregas. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the win at Stamford Bridge.
Asmir Begovic: 6
Watford barely got into the box but managed three goals, for all of which Begovic was blameless. Overall, he was rarely called into action.
Kurt Zouma: 6
Kept things simple with ball at his feet, but the French defender was not commanding enough when the ball was played into the box – and not just for the away side’s two second-half goals.
John Terry: 6
Was fortunate to slice in the opening goal having showed great reactions to get there. His error seconds later for the equaliser was slightly unlucky, but showed his lack of match sharpness. He used the ball with typical sharpness and quality, but his ability to dominate as Watford pressed forward in the second half deserted him. His goal means Terry has scored in 17 consecutive Premier League seasons.
Nathan Ake: 7
Athletic and powerful in the tackle and measured in possession, Ake demonstrated he is ready to step in seamlessly when required. He showed his technical ability to tee up Michy Batshayi’s goal but was caught out for Watford’s second soon after.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 9
Once again proved how invaluable he is to the team, no matter where he plays. Took his goal superbly, almost scored with another rasping low strike and defended with typical commonsense and tenacity.
N’Golo Kante: 7
Kante was his normal busy self, but the lack of experience around him meant he had more responsibility and was under more pressure than he would normally have to deal with. The Frenchman played a couple of delightful long balls, but was astray with some simple passes.
Nathaniel Chalobah: 7
He only showed flashes of his quality in a tentative first half, before settling into the second period when he demonstrated his range of passing and sound footballing brain. He got a bit lost as the Hornets responded in the middle period of the second half but generally did well.
Kenedy: 7
A surprise inclusion, Kenedy looked lively and threatening in attack throughout, as well as fulfilling his defensive duties with controlled aggression.
Willian: 9
The Brazilian gave his manager food for thought for the FA Cup final with a brilliant performance. He was always involved, running from deep and committing defenders, while also using the ball thoughtfully and keeping his defensive shape when Chelsea lost possession.
Eden Hazard: 8
Hazard was dangerous and purposeful, taking up intelligent positions to receive the ball and also stretching the Watford defence with some astute runs in behind. He played the full match and is likely to get at least some rest for the final game of the league season against Sunderland.
Michy Batshuayi: 7
Fresh from his title-winning goal at West Brom, Batshuayi showed some confident touches and neat turns throughout and, as well as his simple tap-in, he almost scored with a couple of decent strikes. He was, however, a bit greedy on occasions.
Ole Aina: 7
A more than steady 20 minutes from the talented youngster in a strangely stretched match that was lacking much of a pattern by the time he appeared. Showed his technique is up to standard from the off and did not look overawed.
Cesc Fabregas: 8
The Spaniard was only on the pitch from the 79th minute but was exceptional. He scored a fine winner, and his ability to find a pass and create space with and without the ball made all the difference just when Watford were getting on top.