Chelsea Player Ratings vs Watford
Guus Hiddink was denied a win in his first game back in charge of Chelsea after the Blues were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with Watford on Boxing Day. The champions started the game in dominant fashion and were rewarded after Diego Costa – who appeared revived and determined – opened the scoring in superb fashion in the 32nd minute. Chelsea, however, were forced to go into the break on level terms after Nemanja Matic inexplicably decided to protect his face with his arm in the area, which resulted in Watford being given a penalty minutes before the break – which Troy Deeney didn’t hesitate to convert. When Odion Ighalo then scored in the 56th minute with a fine strike that deflected off Gary Cahill, Chelsea looked to be heading to another defeat until Willian and Costa combined to salvage a point. The Brazilian winger provided a superb ball past three Watford players to set up Costa, who made a run past Miguel Britos and Craig Cathcart and restored parity with another superb goal. Chelsea could have taken all three points through Oscar though, but the Brazilian blasted his late spot-kick high after appearing to slip just before he struck the ball.
Below are the Chelsea Player’s Ratings of the match-
THIBAUT COURTOIS (6/10)
Blameless for the penalty and wrong-footed for Odion Ighalo’s deflected goal. Good save from Etienne Capoue’s fierce shot.
BRANISLAV IVANOVIC (5/10)
Let Jose Jurado have too much space in the build-up to Ighalo’s goal. Still seems to be struggling to recapture his best form.
GARY CAHILL (6/10)
Recalled to the side by Guus Hiddink and was given a tough afternoon by Ighalo, whose shot deflected off him for the winner.
JOHN TERRY (6/10)
Also struggled when Ighalo ran at him. The former England captain tried to rally the troops but did not have one of his better days.
CESAR AZPILICUETA (6/10)
Unable to get forward as often as he would have liked. Solid enough going the other way, however.
NEMANJA MATIC (6/10)
A needless handball to give away a penalty which gifted Watford a route back into the game. Put in his usual tidy shift in midfield, though.
CESC FABREGAS (4/10)
Looked lost in midfield as Watford began to get a foothold in the game and gave the ball away too often. Taken off at half-time.
PEDRO RODRIGUES (7/10)
Looked lively in the first half, setting up Costa with an early chance and generally making a nuisance of himself, but faded badly after the interval.
WILLIAN (8/10)
Stunning pass to set up Costa for Chelsea’s equaliser and put in another energetic, hard-working display down the right.
OSCAR (5/10) Villain of the match
Another player who started brightly, but when Watford’s midfield got to grips with the Brazilian, his influence became minimal. Skied a late penalty to win it.
DIEGO COSTA (9/10) – Hero of the match
The major bright spot for Chelsea. Came up with two classy finishes and finally looked back to his bruising, brooding best.
Substitutes-
JOHN OBI MIKEL (6/10)
Dependable as ever in midfield, keeping things simple and rarely giving the ball away after replacing Fabregas at half-time.
EDEN HAZARD (6/10)
Replacing Pedro at the 74th minute, the Belgian won a late penalty after being taken out by Valon Behrami. Tried to have more of an impact but did not look match fit.