Watford v Chelsea player ratings
Chelsea earned a seventh successive away victory in all competitions with a 2-1 win against Watford. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the game at Vicarage Road.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6
He had nothing to do until the sixth minute of injury time when he made a decent, diving low stop to keep out a header by fellow keeper Ben Foster.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 5
He was quick to nick possession high up the pitch on countless occasions but more often than not then gave it away. A slightly nervy performance from the Spaniard.
Fikayo Tomori: 7
A performance where he showed he not only has blistering pace but an ever-growing awareness of how best to use it, along with a steadily improving positional sense.
Kurt Zouma: 7
Zouma looks far more comfortable in an old-school defensive tussle when he can defend what’s in front of him and this was a night when he was able to do that, making some vital interceptions and two even more crucial blocks.
Emerson: 7
Back in the side after injury with a more than adequate performance, Emerson defended without fuss and supported well enough in attack.
Jorginho: 8
Jorginho’s pass for Tammy Abraham’s first-half goal was sumptuous and he played with typical swagger. But a temptation – which was shared by his team-mates – to search out the second goal did leave the centre-backs a little exposed at times. He conceded the penalty which gave Watford hope but his “challenge” was no more than a touch. Booked late on and will miss the Crystal Palace game on Saturday.
Mateo Kovacic: 9
Gritty, combative and always involved, Kovacic was outstanding. The Croatian was assured and measured in his passing throughout, winning possession, providing protection and regularly setting up attacks.
Mason Mount: 7
The England midfielder was twice denied by keeper Foster, the first save from a stunning first-half strike that was diverted on to the bar. Mount was always a goal threat and was relentless in his defensive work.
Christian Pulisic: 7
The American got the nod ahead and once again justified his inclusion by boss Frank Lampard. He was a fraction away from making it 2-0 with a header before the break but his dribbling ability and selflessness continued to impress and he did double the lead with simple close-range finish in the second half.
Willian: 8
A full-house in Willian Bingo. Frightening pace, faultless work-rate, a couple of brilliant runs and some telling passes in the final third, notably when helping tee up Pulisic’s goal. But there was also some frustrating moments where he wasted possession when well placed.
Tammy Abraham: 8
His delightful first-time finish set the Blues on their way to victory and his effort, quality and awareness were commendable.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: 5
The winger was guilty of trying to do too much and giving the ball away cheaply on a few occasions after coming on late on when his team desperately needed him to stay calm and do the simple things.
Michy Batshuayi: 6
The Belgian’s cameo appearance posed a few problems for a stretched defence.
