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#3 Edouard Mendy
In August 2018, Chelsea splashed €80 million to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao. The record-signing has all but become obsolete thanks to the genius of €24 million-purchase Edouard Mendy.
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Mendy has been pivotal in each of Chelsea’s big wins since signing from Rennais in September 2020. The tricky trip to Watford was not going to be an exception.
Thanks to Watford’s blistering start to the game, Mendy was kept on his toes from the first minute. The hosts threw everything at the Chelsea goalkeeper, who managed to deal with almost everything.
Mendy was beaten by Dennis’ strike in the 43rd minute, but the Senegalese custodian was left dumbfounded by Antonio Rudiger’s nasty deflection.
Apart from Watford's goal, Mendy was practically unbeatable. The 29-year-old was forced to make six saves, with three of them coming from inside the box.
His block kept Tom Cleverly from wheeling away in celebration in the 57th minute after the midfielder was played through on goal.
Without Mendy’s crucial intervention, Chelsea could have ended up surrendering their place at the summit to Manchester City.
#2 Kai Havertz
Romelu Lukaku’s unfortunate injury and Timo Werner’s poor finishing have allowed Kai Havertz to often play as Chelsea’s furthest forward.
On Wednesday night, Havertz was given a free role up top, which saw him move around without a worry in the world. He occupied little pockets of space throughout the attacking third and made progressive runs when possible.
Havertz’s most notable contribution came in the 29th minute when he picked up the ball from Marcos Alonso and fed it to Mount. The Englishman made no mistake in putting the visitors ahead.
#1 Mason Mount
Chelsea and England’s poster boy Mason Mount ran the show at Vicarage Road on Wednesday and was deservedly named Man of the Match.
Having been in and out of Thomas Tuchel’s side, Mount got an opportunity to prove his mettle against Watford. It took a little while for him to adjust to the frantic pace of the game, but he eventually came good.
Mount primarily occupied the left flank and even dropped deep to help out at the back when needed. Most importantly, he was always in the right place at the right time, which led to two decisive goal contributions.
In the 29th minute, Mount opened the scoring for Chelsea after Havertz’s measured pass found him inside the area. Mount also hit the post once and was unlucky not to double his tally.
Finally, in the second half, Mount turned provider, setting up Ziyech for Chelsea's winner. All in all, it was an impressive display by the Chelsea graduate which should earn him a spot in the starting XI on Saturday.
