Here we have the Chelsea player ratings during their hard-fought win against Watford at Vicarage Road. Watford had already caused an upset this season and they were on the verge to cause yet another upset against Chelsea.
Watford started the game fast and could have scored twice in the first five minutes. The match was going in a good flow but it was stopped in the 11th minute as one supporter from the stands suffered a cardiac arrest.
The players were hauled off the field and the game was called off, after a fan in the stands suffered a cardiac arrest and required medical attention from the paramedics. After half an hour things stabilized and the man was sent to the hospital before the game resumed after a five-minute warm-up.
The match was stopped for 35 minutes. Once the game resumed, a well-timed run by Marcos Alonso and a good support from Kai Havertz gave space to Mason Mount to score a tap-in. However, Watford succeeded to equalize as Loftus-Cheek was stopped from turning by Moussa Sissoko and Emmanuel Bonaventure scored the counter through the legs of Rudiger.
Hakim Ziyech found the back of the net within the last 20 minutes of the game. Alonso and Mount had a good link-up play and Ziyech received a low-driven cross from Mount.
Chelsea continue to march towards the title with a one point lead over Manchester City. Watford are on the edge of the relegation zone even though they are performing well. They are currently 17th in the Premier League table and 3 points ahead of Burnely who have a game in hand.
Chelsea Player Ratings vs Watford
Edouard Mendy – 8/10
Watford could have scored more than once if it was not for Mendy. The goalkeeper made some excellent saves which made it easier for the other Chelsea players.
Trevoh Chalobah – 6/10
Made a crucial block to Pedro’s dangerous low shot. However, he did not look comfortable in possession. Had to be substituted at the hour mark due to a hamstring injury.
Andreas Christensen – 6/10
Christensen played for the first time after the Burnley game on 6th November. He was calm with the ball but was not able to cope with the physical battles against the Watford players.
Antonio Rudiger – 7/10
He took some time to settle in the match. The German could have done better to prevent Watford from scoring their goal. However, he was back to his best in the second half.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6/10
Lacked the attacking threat of Reece James but did the job defensively quite well. Was subbed off in the 69th minute for Romelu Lukaku.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6/10
Watford’s pressing kept his attacking prowess at bay. As a result, he struggled to influence the game but showed off a few tricks in the game.
Saul Niguez – 4/10
Started only his second match in the league. However, he struggled to keep up with the physical game of the Premier League and was taken off at half-time.
Marcos Alonso – 6/10
Made an excellent run for the opener as he usually does. Also made a good final pass with the head for the second goal. However, he was booked in the first half.
Mason Mount – 8/10
He opened the scoring and got himself a good assist. Did well to match Watford’s intensity.
Kai Havertz – 7/10
Was a threat throughout the game and was unselfish in the first goal to assist Mount. Deserved a goal.
Christian Pulisic – 6/10
Failed to contribute while attacking and lost possession cheaply. Played as a wingback and did the defensive work later.
Susbtitutes
Thiago Silva – 7/10
Chelsea changed their shape in the second half and Silva came on for Saul. Nevertheless, he was solid as usual and did his job well.
Hakim Ziyech – 7/10
Started the game a bit off and misplaced several passes. However, he finished his chance quite well and saw himself on the scoresheet.
Romelu Lukau – 6/10
Lukaku won a couple of aerial duels but his hold-up play was not as great as it usually is.
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