Chelsea v Watford player ratings
Michy Batshuayi scored twice as Chelsea fought back from 2-1 down to beat Watford. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge.
Thibaut Courtois: 6
Had no chance with either Watford goals and could easily have conceded two more had Watford not missed two absolute sitters. He made a couple of regulation saves, including from Tom Cleverly’s first-half free-kick.
Antonio Rudiger: 6
Strong and reliable in the air and in the tackle when possession needs winning, but there are still question marks about his ability to read play and use the ball. Rudiger was generally solid but needs to contribute more to justify a place in the team.
David Luiz: 7
Restored to playing as the central man in the back three, Luiz played more responsibly than when pushed further forward, and he led by example when Chelsea really needed leadership after falling behind. The Brazilian used the ball brilliantly.
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Gary Cahill: 6
Steady throughout but – without being directly to blame – was part of a shambolic defensive spell either side of the break that could, and should, have seen Watford put the match beyond Chelsea’s reach.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 8
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He once again switched to wing-back and had one of his best games in a position that suits his energy and endless running but can see him struggle when one-on-one in attacking positions. His willing running was rewarded when, after switching to left-wing back, he arrived in the box to nod home Chelsea’s third goal.
Tiemoue Bakayoko: 5
The Frenchman was ponderous, casual with his passing, and slow to close down. A surprisingly poor afternoon was epitomised by Watford’s second goal when he gave the ball away and failed to track back properly. Bakayoko improved in the latter stages but before then he lacked energy, and played like a man carrying an injury. He, as with many others around him, looks far more accomplished with N’Golo Kante in the team.
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Cesc Fabregas: 7
Made full use of Watford’s failure to follow him into deeper areas in the first half, orchestrating much of Chelsea’s best work, although he missed a great chance to make it 2-0. He struggled to get on the ball in the second period but showed his experience as one of the senior men who dragged Chelsea back in the match.
Marcos Alonso: 5
Made little impact in the final third before being taken off with just under 25 minutes left. He tried to support but saw little of the ball in good areas and was caught out of position on several occasions when trying to get forward.
Pedro: 8
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Chelsea’s most effective attacking player before the break – even without the stunning goal – Pedro’s workrate was as impressive as ever and he remained a menace in attack. But like almost everyone else in a Blues shirt he was largely anonymous for the first part of the second half before his brilliant cross for the equaliser changed the course of the match.
Eden Hazard: 8
Had to withstand some typically robust challenges and numerous fouls, but kept demanding the ball and probing for chances. He was often double marked, thereby freeing up both Pedro and Fabregas.
Alvaro Morata: 5
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The Spaniard had a below-par first half, when his hold-up play was hit and miss and his tendency to go down too easily often saw the Blues struggle to retain the ball. His brief second-half showing was arguably worse and he was taken off just after the hour mark.
Michy Batshuayi: 8
Barely had a touch before scoring with a brilliant header and was agonisingly close to smashing in a second before he wrapped up victory with a well-taken second in the 95th minute. He responded perfectly to his poor display in the defeat against Crystal Palace last week.
Willian: 7
Like Batshuayi, his introduction was crucial in Chelsea’s victory; lifting the crowd, lifting his team-mates and making a vital contribution with his attacking intent late on.
Davide Zappacosta: 6
The Italian almost set up a goal and impressed even though he saw less than 10 minutes of action.
