Half-time: Watford 0 Chelsea 0

Chelsea started and finished the first half strongly at Vicarage Road but were caused plenty of problems. 

They had most of the early possession without creating a clear-cut chance before a spell of Watford pressure suddenly had the visitors on the back foot.

The dangerous Odion Ighalo missed a great chance for Watford when he was unable to connect properly with a header from Jose Holebas’ cross.

And Blues keeper Thibaut Courtois was called into action twice in quick succession, gathering Sebastian Prödl’s firm header from Ben Watson’s corner and then keeping out Etienne Capoue’s shot following good work by José Manuel Jurado.

Chelsea responded with some pressure of their own and Cesc Fabregas’ fine ball found Diego Costa, whose goal-bound shot was deflected inches wide by Hornets defender Craig Cathcart.