Chelsea made it five successive away Premier League victories as they came away from Vicarage Road with a 2-1 victory on Saturday evening.
Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic scored for the visitors as bottom of the league Watford are winless in their 11 fixtures to start the 2019-20 campaign.
The Hornets scored an 80th minute penalty before putting pressure on Frank Lampard’s side in the final 10 minutes, which include Kepa making a smart save to deny Ben Foster with the last moment of action in the game.
Here are EPL Matters’ player ratings from Watford 1-2 Chelsea:
Kepa 7 – The goalkeeper had very little to do in the opening 80 minutes but made a key save in stoppage time to deny the opposition goalkeeper from scoring.
Cesar Azpilicueta 7 – Chelsea’s right-back was tested little defensively throughout the game and saw a lot of the ball pushing forward. Cesar Azpilicueta didn’t always look after the ball in the final third but helped with attacks.
Kurt Zouma 8 – The Chelsea centre-backs didn’t allow Andre Gray anything today. Kurt Zouma was solid in the air and intercepted a number of passes.
Fikayo Tomori 7 – Another solid job from the young defender as Watford didn’t score in open play today.
Emerson 8 – Gerard Deulofeu wasn’t much of a threat in open play up against Emerson who was back in the starting lineup after a lengthy injury absence. The Italian saw a lot of the ball in the home side’s half and created the odd chance too.
Jorginho 8 – Some smart play in dropping back to centre-back when Zouma and/or Tomori went forward. A phenomenal assist for Chelsea’s opener and started a lot of attacks from central midfield.
Mateo Kovacic 8 – Wanted the ball, saw a lot of it, and drove his side forward from the middle of the park. An excellent game from Mateo Kovacic.
Mason Mount 8 – Another very impressive performance from the young playmaker. Mason Mount was a constant threat to the Watford defence with his movement and passing. Might be disappointed not to be among the goalscorers today as he forced three saves from Ben Foster.
Willian 8 – A constant threat down the right wing, Willian created a number of chances for teammates as the Watford defence struggled to keep up with the skillful Brazilian.
Tammy Abraham 8 – A cool finish for Chelsea’s early opener and provided the assist for their second. Tammy Abraham will be pleased to be back among the goals in another fine showing up front.
Christian Pulisic 8 – Four goals in his last two games; Christian Pulisic’s that made it 2-0 20 minutes from time proved to be crucial in Hertfordshire on Saturday. The American was a constant threat in Watford’s final third.
Substitutes
Callum Hudson-Odoi (8 mins) N/A – Late substitute for Pulisic to offer fresh legs and pace on the counter-attack.
Michy Batshuayi (4 mins) N/A – A late introduction to help run out the clock as Watford were pressing late on.
Reece James (0 mins) N/A – Stoppage time substitution to help waste a few more seconds.
