100, 101 for Hazard!
Hazard saved Chelsea again as we narrowly beat Watford to return to winning ways in the League. It was a cagey first half and Hazard just about managed to score before half time as Kovacic slotted him in and he rounded Foster to score his 100th goal. Watford though equalised seconds later via a corner and a brilliant volley from Pereyra. The teams headed in at half time level but Chelsea came out a slightly better team in the second half. Hazard again broke free via a brilliant pass from Jorginho and was fouled by Foster thereby conceding a penalty. Hazard then stepped up to slot in his 101st goal for the club. Chelsea held on for the three points as was needed on the day.
Player wise Kepa was great as usual, Azpilicueta was good down the right hand side, while Rudiger and Luiz had slightly mediocre games as they struggled with the physicality of Deeney and the pace of Deolofeu. Alonso had a shaky game but managed to pull through in the end as questions were again raised why Emerson is not given a chance. Jorginho had a difficult first half but improved in the second while Kante was good in his new role as he continues to adapt to the style. Kovacic was great in his link up play and combined well with Hazard. Willian was decent but lacked an end product as he could have scored on a couple of occasions. Hazard was great as usual with two goals and he could have had three assists as well. Pedro was not great and was subbed off with a thigh strain in the first half being replaced by Hudson-Odoi. CHO himself was subbed off with a thigh strain in the second half as he was replaced by Emerson. Emerson, and Barkley were good in the final minutes and it was nice to see CHO make is premier league debut. Chelsea still need to delve into the transfer market as we seek finishers to help out Hazard up front and Sarri should really look at starting Emerson and CHO from the get go. Loftus-Cheek was not in the lineup but should be back for the game against Palace. Just as side note Hazard was really happy with his goals and said that he would like to emulate Terry, Lampard, and Drogba and become a legend of the club, so…
4 points behind City, 5 behind Tottenham and 11 behind Liverpool as Chelsea go again on Sunday against Palace. COME ON YOU BLUES!!
Park The Bus 