Premier League 2017/18: Chelsea 4-2 Watford, Player Ratings

Marco Silva's men almost had another London derby victory but for a stubborn Chelsea side determined to get back to winning ways.

Antonio Conte was probably the man of the match for his substitutions and change of formation in the second half that led his side gain the upper hand and ultimately, a victory over the impressive Hornets.

Having taken the lead through Pedro's wondergoal, Chelsea fell to goals from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra but two goals from Michy Batshuayi and one from Cezar Azpilicueta ensured the Blues' poor streak came to an end.

Here's how the players fared:

Chelsea

Thibaut Courtois - 6.5/10

Having been a spectator for most of the game, the Belgian shot-stopper will owe lady luck one for having almost being beaten twice by the dangerous Richarlison. An ever-shifting back-three ahead of him could take part of the blame.

Antonio Rudiger - 7/10

Strong and composed when challenged by the likes of Richarlison and Troy Deeney winning 13 of the 17 duels he attempted. A solid performance and one to build on for the German.

David Luiz - 7.5/10

Another masterful display from the Brazilian veteran at the heart of Chelsea's defence. His 7 interceptions, 9 clearances and 10 successful duels mean he's one of Antonio Conte's better performers this afternoon.

Gary Cahill (C) - 6.5/10

Not his usual imposing self this time around but helped his side enough to ensure Watford didn't trouble Courtois as much. Can be a lot better.

Cesar Azpilicueta - 7.5/10

The Spaniard is easily one of the best defensive imports the Premier League has seen for a while. His versatility, given he played as the right-wing-back today once again show how valuable a player he is for the Blues. A good header for the goal, too.

Cesc Fabregas - 7/10

Some of his chips, lobs, and cross-field passes were sublime as always. However, an 83.5% passing rate isn't up to his usually high standards and he was often a bystander as Watford charged on the counter.

Tiemoue Bakayoko - 7.5/10

The more the Frenchman plays, the better he seems to be getting and another impressive display was exactly what Antonio Conte would have wanted. Got an assist as well to compliment his control of the midfield.

Marcos Alonso - 6.5/10

Sacrificed in the second half for a more attacking shape but seemed like the obvious choice to go off given he was far from his best this match. Kept getting passed with ease and needs to get back to the kind of form we saw from him last season.

Pedro - 8.5/10

Easily one of the best goals of the season yet and he got an assist making him today's key player for Conte. His 3 key passes should've been put away. Again, that goal was just oof.

Alvaro Morata - 6.5/10

Not the best day for the Spaniard who did look like he spent a lot of his time on the floor rather than trying to have a go at the goal. Was bullied often and should've stuck to Doucoure to prevent the equaliser late in the first half. Rightfully substituted.

Eden Hazard - 8/10

An 8/10 is almost a given for the tricky Belgian and although he only got the one assist, his play and quick one-twos with the team were a joy to watch. Superb performance.

Substitutes:

Michy Bathuayi - 8.5/10

Two excellent goals today from Batshuayi was exactly what was needed especially after how he was taken off against Crystal Palace last week. Needs to keep this up if he wants to usurp Morata as the first-choice striker.

Willian - 7/10

Would've gotten an assist for Azpilicueta's goal but a cheeky deflection does him no justice. Was lively ever since he came on and combined well with Hazard, Fabregas and Pedro to ensure Chelsea won the game.

Davide Zappacosta - 6.5/10

Was on the field only for 4 minutes but did well to hold onto the ball when needed and proved to be another good substitute from Antonio Conte.

Watford

Richarlison should have ended the game a long time ago with two missed opportunities

Heurelho Gomes - 6/10

Completely unlike the Gomes we saw against Arsenal last week but his four saves helped Marco Silva avoid a thrashing.

Miguel Britos - 6/10

Made a big error that led to the goal in the end but otherwise was pretty solid. Often succumbed to the pressure from the Chelsea forwards a little too easily.

Christian Kabasele - 6.5/10

Kept Alvaro Morata in check the whole of his time on the field but could've done a little more to prevent Cesar Azpilicueta from scoring the 3rd goal for Chelsea. Had 8 clearances, however.

Adrian Mariappa - 6/10

Booked early in the game and could never quite get back into it for the fear of seeing red. A decent performance but was taken off in the second half for a more attacking formation.

Jose Holebas - 7/10

A threat down the left-hand side of the field all game and decent with the way he used the ball and progressed Watford's attack. A much more matured performance than from the one against Arsenal last week.

Abdoulaye Doucoure - 7.5/10

A 96.9% passing rate - the highest in the match - only teases just how good the Frenchman was. Dominating the centre, creating chances and took his 4th Premier League goal sublimely during the dying minutes of the first half.

Tom Cleverley - 7/10

Another solid performance from Tom Cleverly this season. He's growing into that midfield role and he was good today despite the result. His forward passing was excellent and produced 2 key passes for his side to put away.

Kiko Femenia - 6.5/10

The Spaniard was often left alone when attacking from the right and defensively, was rarely called into action barring towards the end. His passing was excellent and Watford will need a lot more of them should they maintain their momentum.

Richarlison - 7/10

Would've been the recipient of a much higher rating but for the two clearest opportunities he had to tuck away. One-on-one in two occasions and he missed both times saving Thibaut Courtois' blushes. Did get an assist, though.

Troy Deeney - 6.5/10

Chatty McChatface didn't have the best of games but troubled Chelsea's defence for the 80 minutes he was on. Looked tired towards the end of the game and will need to actually start contributing goals/assists if Watford want to finish high in the table.

Roberto Pereyra - 7/10

Took the goal really well with a composed finish and had a good game today. Sadly, was substituted for an injury in the 65th minute. Watford need to ensure he's back as soon as possible because he makes things happen.

Substitutes:

Andre Carrilo - 6/10

Spent 25 minutes on the field but didn't contribute much at all only making 6 passes for all that time. Needs to be a little more proactive and demanding should he wish to stay on loan.

Ben Watson - 6/10

The English veteran came on in the final 10 minutes but didn't contribute to Marco Silva's plan perhaps. Needs a string of games for him to get back to his good old self.

Andre Gray - NA/10

Played for one minute and injury time sparing him from a rating. Sweet tattoos, though.