EPL – Player Ratings – Chelsea 2 Watford 2

EPL – Player Ratings – Chelsea 2 Watford 2

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A back-and-forth encounter at Stamford Bridge saw a late Chelsea comeback earn a 2-2 draw against Watford.

The Blues continued to display a revitalised system under the returning Guus Hiddink in the early stages, striking blood first through Diego Costa just after the half-hour mark. Continuing their all-business approach though, Watford would draw level after Troy Deeney’s penalty just before the half and would then take the lead when Odion Ighalo capitalised on a terrible Chelsea clearance. A second for Costa was enough to earn the reining champions a share of the spoils. yet it is doubtful any of the fans will want to speak of Oscar’s attempted penalty late in the second-half.

Chelsea

Thibaut Courtois – 5.5: Made a lacklustre attempt to save Deeney’s penalty but could do little to stop the second Watford goal after a deflection. Distribution was far below-standard at 44%

Branislav Ivanovic – 5: Was one more beaten too easily when Watford had the chance to press. Lost three-quarters of his attempted tackles

Gary Cahill – 5.5: Not tested that often, but also crumbled on the occasions when the visitors moved to ball into the 18-yard box.

John Terry – 6: Relished the physical battle with the powerful Watford forwards and threw himself into every challenge.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 6: Had the odd opportunity to venture forward on the wing and also held strong at the back.

Nemanja Matic – 4.5: Gave away the penalty for Watford with a wayward arm and was one of a number of Chelsea players who seemed to take a step backwards after last week.

Cesc Fabregas – 5: His substitution at the half was a tactical change, yet for another week the Spaniard has failed to inspire, only fueling further disapproval from the fans.

Oscar – 6: Took the rare opportunity to attack through the centre and created two key chances for the Blues, however, threw the match away with an awfully attempted penalty with 10 minutes to go.

Willian – 8: A statistically amazing performance from the Brazilian amid a below-par result, recording 12 crosses, four created chances for his teammates and five shots on goal of his own.

Pedro – 6.5: Still needs to show more on the field to warrant his reputation, yet did not commit any major errors in the match.

Diego Costa – 8.5: The fiery Spaniard was responsible for both of Chelsea’s goals with two close-range finishes, displaying the instincts to start winning matches for the Londoners.

Substitutes

John Obi Mikel – 6: Did exactly what was expected of him after coming on for the second-half and also had a late chance to snatch victory

Eden Hazard – 6.5: Won the late penalty with a charge into the box but only had a handful of other touches.

Watford

Heurelho Gomes – 6: Would have been relieved to see Oscar’s penalty sail over the crossbar, but was outmuscled by Costa and left hanging by his defence.

Nyom – 5: Unfortunately was matched against Chelsea’s most creative attacking outlets, Passing was poor due to the hosts’ pressure.

Miguel Britos – 6: Most of the opposition threat came through the wings and Britos also took the odd chance to stray forward.

Craig Cathcart – 5.5: Jumped straight into the physical battle with Costa but went missing when the team needed him most.

Jose Holebas – 6: Showed no fear to run at Chelsea on the wing.

Jurado – 7: Did not have the sustained possession to show-off hos individual creativity when moving forward, yet may have been Watford’s best in the midfield battle.

Almen Abdi – 6: Looked good on the wing but could not capitalise in the 18-yard box.

Ben Watson – 5.5: Found his feet as the game for on but was little help in midfield.

Etienne Capoue – 6: Took up the attention of the Chelsea defence but did not really make a meaningful impact.

Troy Deeney – 8: His physicality is finally being utilised to peak level in the top flight, coolly beating Courtois from the spot while continuing to pick out Ighalo.

Odion Ighalo – 7.5: His wave of confidence continued with a sublime finish into the near-post to give the Hornets a shortly-lived second-half lead.

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